Joey McGuire calls Tyler Shough's return in 2023 'huge' for Texas Tech

Tyler Shough coming back to Texas Tech was huge for the football program, according to head coach Joey McGuire.

In total, there are 18 starters coming back to the Red Raiders in 2023. But none more important than the quarterback taking all of the snaps under center. McGuire spoke at Big 12 Media Days about how important Shough is to the team.

“You know, it’s huge,” McGuire said. “It didn’t dawn on me until Tyler said it during the off-season. This is going to be the first time in his collegiate career that he has the same offensive coordinator back-to-back years. The experience that he has, he is a pro. I mean, he is a guy that comes in and prepares at such a high level. He’s such a great example to our football team to this is how you have to prepare to play at a high level.”

Shough played just 11 games over the last two years with Texas Tech. Last season, he threw for 1,310 yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions and a 59.9% completion percentage.

“It’s really important for him to stay healthy, but again, and I’ve said this many a times, and some of you have heard me say this, I room our room,” McGuire said. “I could be wrong. Y’all could help me out if I am. But I think we’re the only team in the conference that has two quarterbacks that have won Big 12 games. Not being high recruits, but have actually played and won Big 12 games.”

McGuire didn’t hold back the praise of Shough. If he lives up to his billing, he might be the best signal caller in the conference.

“So I feel like we have as good, if not the best quarterback room not only in the Big 12, but in the country, and I’m excited about both of those guys,” McGuire said. “Tyler is such a leader for this team, and he’s going to have a great year for us.”

As a member of the Class of 2018, Shough was a four-star recruit out of Chandler (Ari.) Hamilton, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 12 quarterback in the class and the No. 122 overall prospect in the class.

McGuire led the Red Raiders to an 8-5 record last season, his first with the program. Could double digit wins be in the cards?