Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – Episode: Texas Tech Red Raiders Head Coach Joey McGuire Joins, Pac-12 is Back, and Oregon Ducks Preview

Release Date: July 9, 2025

Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Guest: Joey McGuire, Head Coach of Texas Tech Red Raiders

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Triple Option, hosts Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone delve into the evolving landscape of college football. The primary focus centers around an engaging conversation with Texas Tech’s head coach, Joey McGuire, discussions on the resurgence of the Pac-12 Conference, and a comprehensive preview of the Oregon Ducks’ upcoming season.

2. Interview with Coach Joey McGuire

a. Revenue Sharing and Financial Dynamics in College Football

Coach McGuire opens up about the shifting financial paradigms in college football. He emphasizes the transition from traditional revenue sources like donors and game-day experiences to more modern streams such as private equity and student fees.

Joey McGuire (03:40): "When I first got into coaching, the primary source of revenue were donors… Now you're starting to hear about private equity…"

The discussion highlights the significance of the recent Big Ten and Big 12 partnership with PayPal, valued at nearly $100 million over five years, and how such deals are paving the way for financial stability and competitive parity among schools.

Mark Ingram II (05:23): "The landscape of college football is changing. So you have to drive this and find new ways to have some revenue…"

b. The Evolution of Coaching and Marketing

McGuire reflects on how the role of head coaches has evolved from being solely team leaders to becoming integral parts of the marketing machinery within athletic departments.

Joey McGuire (05:25): "There was a time back in the day that the old head football coach would usually become the ad... Now it's business people and marketing people."

He underscores the importance of balancing athletic performance with business acumen, especially in light of new revenue-sharing agreements and sponsorship deals.

c. Building a Competitive Program at Texas Tech

Coach McGuire discusses his strategies for elevating Texas Tech’s football program. Emphasizing the necessity to win the Big 12, he outlines plans to optimize the team’s roster through a balanced approach of recruiting homegrown talent and leveraging the transfer portal.

Joey McGuire (19:05): "We were really aggressive in the portal, trying to get better upfront…"

He also highlights the critical role of donors and alumni in supporting the program’s infrastructure and competitive aspirations.

d. Handling High-Profile Players and NIL Opportunities

The conversation touches on managing high-profile players like Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing the importance of aligning player value with team success.

Urban Meyer (32:38): "Patrick Mahomes is pretty incredible… Our quarterbacks meeting room is the Patrick Mahomes, you know…"

McGuire elaborates on the integration of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and how they are being strategically utilized to enhance team performance and individual player value.

Joey McGuire (22:30): "We have a company that rates players based on their NIL value and contribution to team success…"

e. Championship Ambitions and Program Sustainability

McGuire passionately outlines his vision for Texas Tech, aiming not just to compete but to dominate the Big 12 and secure a spot in the playoffs. He stresses the importance of sustained success to maintain competitiveness in recruiting and national relevance.

Joey McGuire (25:25): "We need to win the Big 12… I want to create and sustain a winning program at a whole different level."

Urban Meyer reinforces this ambition, drawing parallels with past coaching experiences and the necessity of continuous victory to uphold program integrity.

Urban Meyer (25:28): "If you didn't win enough games, you had to win games. Any coach that doesn't understand they're living in la la land…"

3. The Pac-12 Conference Resurgence

The hosts discuss the revival of the Pac-12 Conference, now rebranded as the “Conference of Champions,” highlighting the inclusion of eight teams such as Texas State, Oregon State, Washington State, San Diego State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Utah State. Gonzaga has been added for basketball, with CBS anchoring the media package.

Rob Stone (42:44): "Here are the teams in the PAC 12… It's not your dad's Pac 12, but at least it's back."

Mark Ingram II and Joey McGuire weigh in on the potential impact of this resurgence, noting that while the conference may not immediately regain its former power status, the inclusion of strong programs like Boise State could bolster its reputation.

Mark Ingram II (43:55): "It's good for college football. At least the Pac 12 is back…"

a. Competitive Dynamics Within the Pac-12

The discussion emphasizes the competitive nature of the Pac-12, predicting that teams like Boise State will initially carry the conference's strength. There's optimism about the conference’s ability to produce competitive teams despite the absence of historically dominant programs.

Rob Stone (44:03): "Boise State, a really good strong program…"

4. Oregon Ducks Preview

The hosts provide an in-depth preview of the Oregon Ducks, analyzing their current roster, coaching strategies, and future prospects under new head coach Dante Moore.

Rob Stone (48:03): "Dan Lanning has done an awesome job. But there's one thing missing…"

They predict a strong season for Oregon, projecting an increase in wins based on the team’s talented roster and coaching stability. The conversation also touches on the challenges Oregon faces in rekindling its status as a national powerhouse.

Mark Ingram II (50:33): "I'm excited about this Dante Moore… I think this Oregon team is going to be right back at the top again…"

a. Coaching Changes and Player Development

Under Dante Moore’s leadership, Oregon is expected to harness the full potential of its players, focusing on long-term development and strategic recruitment to compete with top-tier programs.

Joey McGuire (49:54): "He loves Oregon… He's got a niche out there…"

The hosts discuss the significance of having players who stay with the program longer, contrasting it with trends of early transfers and emphasizing the benefits of continuity.

Mark Ingram II (50:33): "He's taking over this Oregon team that's infused with talent, has great coaching stability…"

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming season, the renewed Pac-12, and the strategies discussed with Coach McGuire. They emphasize the importance of adaptability and strategic financial planning in maintaining competitiveness in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.

Joey McGuire (53:08): "They are a green blood. Now they just gotta be a blue blood…"

Urban Meyer and Mark Ingram II reiterate their support for Texas Tech’s ambitions, while also acknowledging the broader changes shaping the future of the sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial Shifts: College football is experiencing significant changes in revenue streams, moving beyond traditional donors and game-day revenues to include private equity and innovative sponsorship deals.

• Coaching Evolution: The role of head coaches is expanding to include marketing and business responsibilities, crucial for navigating the new financial landscape.

• Texas Tech’s Vision: Under Coach Joey McGuire, Texas Tech aims to win the Big 12 and sustain a competitive program through strategic use of the transfer portal, recruiting, and leveraging NIL opportunities.

• Pac-12’s Return: The resurgence of the Pac-12 as the Conference of Champions brings renewed competition and potential growth, with strong programs like Boise State leading the charge.

• Oregon Ducks’ Future: With new leadership under Dante Moore, the Oregon Ducks are poised for a successful season, focusing on player development and strategic recruitment to regain national prominence.

Notable Quotes:

• Joey McGuire (03:40): "When I first got into coaching, the primary source of revenue were donors… Now you're starting to hear about private equity…"

• Mark Ingram II (05:23): "The landscape of college football is changing. So you have to drive this and find new ways to have some revenue…"

• Joey McGuire (25:25): "We need to win the Big 12… I want to create and sustain a winning program at a whole different level."

• Joey McGuire (53:08): "They are a green blood. Now they just gotta be a blue blood…"

This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into the strategic and financial transformations within college football, highlighted by insightful discussions with a leading coach and analyses of key conferences and teams.