The Cover That Captures an Era
When the latest edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football hits newsstands, the familiar sight of a Texas college football program gracing its front page signals a milestone. This year, the magazine features Texas Tech University on its cover, a testament to the Red Raiders' resurgence under head coach Joey McGuire.
The cover brings together a constellation of figures who have shaped the program's modern era: head coach Joey McGuire, senior linebacker Ben Roberts, general manager James Blanchard, Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt, and Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell. Their collaboration, highlighted in the feature titled "Inside the Modern College Football Machine," illustrates how administrative vision and on‑field execution have merged to elevate the team.
Greg Tepper, editor‑in‑chief of DCTF, notes that the story captures more than a single season; it reflects a broader transformation that has seen Texas Tech claim a Big 12 Conference title and position itself as a national contender. The piece underscores how the program has become a model for blending tradition with innovative strategy.
This marks the second time Texas Tech has appeared on the magazine's cover during McGuire's tenure, reinforcing the narrative of sustained progress. The publication, often referred to as the "Football Bible of Texas," has a storied history of showcasing iconic teams and personalities, from the legendary Spike Dykes and Michael Crabtree to more recent stars like Patrick Mahomes II and Kliff Kingsbury.
What makes this edition particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of administrators and non‑coaches on the cover — a first in the magazine's history. Cody Campbell and Kirby Hocutt join the ranks of celebrated figures, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the Red Raiders' rise.
Fans and observers alike will recognize the familiar faces of past legends such as Spike Dykes, Mike Leach, Donny Anderson, Charles Napper, Rodney Allison, and Adell Duckett, whose legacies continue to inspire the current generation. The cover thus serves as a bridge between Texas Tech's rich past and its ambitious future.