“Texas Tech QB Commit Eyes Big 12 Title, National Spotlight with Red Raiders due to…

“Texas Tech QB Commit Eyes Big 12 Title, National Spotlight with Red Raiders”
Texas Tech’s 2025 quarterback commit is already talking like a leader. The rising senior, who pledged to the Red Raiders earlier this spring, has made it clear that he’s not just coming to Lubbock to play football—he’s coming to make history.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound signal-caller from Texas high school powerhouse Cedar Ridge, Mason Cortez, has championship ambitions and a clear vision for his college career. In recent interviews and social media posts, Cortez has laid out his bold goals: win a Big 12 championship, compete for a national title, and leave Texas Tech better than he found it.
“I didn’t choose Texas Tech just to be another name on the roster,” Cortez said. “I chose it because I believe in what Coach [Joey] McGuire is building, and I want to be part of a team that brings a championship to Lubbock.”
Cortez’s confidence isn’t just talk. As a junior at Cedar Ridge, he threw for 3,120 yards and 28 touchdowns with just five interceptions, adding another 400 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to extend plays, read defenses, and deliver accurate passes under pressure has drawn comparisons to former Red Raider standout Patrick Mahomes.
“He plays with a chip on his shoulder and never backs down from big moments,” said Cedar Ridge head coach Marcus Hightower. “Mason is the kind of player that makes everyone around him better. Texas Tech is getting a competitor and a true leader.”
Cortez is currently rated a four-star recruit by multiple scouting services and is among the top 15 quarterbacks in the nation according to 247Sports. He chose the Red Raiders over offers from Baylor, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Arizona State, citing the family environment in Lubbock and the opportunity to play early in his college career.
Head coach Joey McGuire has made recruiting top-tier quarterbacks a priority, and Cortez is a major piece of that strategy. The Red Raiders have stacked strong recruiting classes in recent years, and the 2025 cycle is shaping up to be one of McGuire’s best yet.

“Quarterback is the most important position in football,” McGuire said. “We’re building this program around tough, smart, and dynamic leaders. Mason fits that mold perfectly.”
McGuire and offensive coordinator Zach Kittley run a high-powered, pass-heavy system that allows quarterbacks to showcase their arm talent and football IQ. The Red Raiders ranked in the top 25 nationally in passing offense in 2024, and Cortez believes he can thrive in that system.
“When I watched their offense, it just clicked,” said Cortez. “They let their QBs sling it and trust them to make plays. That’s the kind of system I want to be in.”
Leadership Beyond the Field
Cortez has already started recruiting on behalf of Texas Tech, reaching out to fellow prospects and encouraging them to join him in Lubbock. He’s active in group chats with other 2025 commits and is vocal about his desire to build a class that can “do something special.”
“Championship teams are built in the offseason, and it starts with recruiting,” Cortez said. “I’m trying to bring guys with me who share the same drive and mindset. I want dogs—guys who want to win and will grind every day.”
His leadership traits have caught the attention of Texas Tech staff and fans alike. Whether it’s attending recruiting events, engaging with fans online, or hyping up his teammates, Cortez is already embracing the role of program ambassador.
A Stronger Texas Tech Future
There’s a growing belief in Lubbock that the Red Raiders are on the verge of a breakthrough. With improved facilities, better recruiting, and increased investment from the athletic department, the pieces are starting to come together.
For Cortez, that makes his timing perfect.
“I want to be part of the first wave that takes Texas Tech to the next level,” he said. “We have the resources, the coaching, and now we’re getting the players. It’s time to stop settling and start expecting championships.”
He’s not alone in that thinking. Several Texas Tech commits in the 2025 class have echoed Cortez’s sentiment. Together, they’re forming a bond centered on accountability, work ethic, and belief in the program’s potential.
Preparing for the Next Level
As Cortez enters his senior year, he’s focused on polishing his mechanics, building muscle, and leading his high school team to a state title. He’s also attending Elite 11 events and 7-on-7 tournaments to stay sharp against top competition.
“I know college is a different animal,” Cortez admitted. “But I want to walk into Texas Tech ready to compete. My goal is to start early, but I know I’ll have to earn it.”
He’s already studying the Red Raiders’ playbook and spending hours breaking down college film. “The more I learn now, the faster I can adjust later. I’m taking this seriously.”
Eyes on the Prize
Mason Cortez isn’t just another quarterback recruit—he’s the kind of player who believes he can change the course of a program. Whether or not he fulfills his lofty goals remains to be seen, but there’s no denying his drive.
“Talk is cheap,” Cortez said. “We’ve got work to do. But I promise you—we’re going to shock a lot of people.”
Red Raider fans, take notice: a new era under center might be on the horizon.
Let me know if you’d like a version with quotes f
rom other recruits, or more focus on Coach McGuire’s offensive system.