Red Raiders’ donor collective hits record-breaking milestone with support from thousands of fans
When Texas Tech boosters launched The Matador Club in 2022, even the most optimistic supporters never imagined the collective would rewrite the NIL playbook. Two years later, it has done just that, pulling in a staggering $63.3 million to support Red Raider athletics. The number, revealed by co-founder Cody Campbell at the annual Red Raider Club kickoff luncheon, has cemented Texas Tech as a leader in the new era of college sports funding.
Campbell called the total “far beyond what I thought we could do,” pointing to 3,500 donors who contributed to the collective’s success. For Texas Tech, the impact has been felt across the board, from attracting one of the nation’s top transfer classes to funding elite facilities that rival national powers.
Recruiting Firepower
The collective’s resources played a major role in Tech’s highly rated transfer class of 22 players this offseason. The funding has given the Red Raiders flexibility to operate with an NFL-style approach to scouting and roster building, a system athletic director Kirby Hocutt says has changed the way the school competes.
National Attention
The $63.3 million figure places The Matador Club ahead of nearly every other NIL collective in the country. Campbell was blunt, saying, “There is no way, based on the information I have, that anyone has come even close to matching this number.” That distinction has drawn national attention to Tech, with the Red Raiders entering the season ranked in both major preseason polls for the first time since 2008.
Culture and Tradition
The collective’s growth has fueled more than just roster upgrades, it has also reinforced Red Raider pride. From tortillas defiantly placed on tables at the luncheon to Coach Joey McGuire rallying the crowd with bold playoff talk, the program has leaned into both tradition and ambition. McGuire told fans, “We’ve got the best roster I’ve ever been a part of,” signaling expectations that match the investment.
As Texas Tech prepares to open the season Aug. 30 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the question isn’t whether The Matador Club has made an impact, it’s how far this level of backing can take the Red Raiders. With money, momentum, and confidence on their side, Tech enters 2025 believing it can compete with anyone.
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