There are a ton of programs out there that are jealous of Notre Dame football and the fact that the team has stayed independent when almost every other team has joined a conference. Add Texas Tech to that ever-growing list after Saturday.
Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire fired a shot across the bow of the Fighting Irish after his team knocked off previously undefeated BYU 29-7. After the game, he heaped praise on BYU while complaining about the Golden Domers, while not being brave enough to say their name.
Texas Tech head coach takes shot at Notre Dame football over independence
"I was really excited whenever they [BYU] joined the Big 12 because I think that they carry a lot of weight and a lot of respect. I think that I have a lot of respect for them entering a conference and not playing an independent schedule like other people," McGuire said as he met the media.
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire:
— The Irish Network (@IrishNet) November 10, 2025
“I have a lot of respect for (BYU) entering a conference and not playing an independent schedule like other people. Y’all already know who that is.” #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/Yx0edwYFDq
"Y'all already know who that is," McGuire added, making it clear he was aiming his sights at Notre Dame.
"And so I have a lot of respect for that. I mean, they're earning their right just like everybody but a couple of people in the nation are earning their right through conference play, you know, and playing in some really tough places."
It's far from the first time a major college head coach has complained about Notre Dame being independent. They always make the same claims that the Irish are somehow playing a much easier schedule because they're not in a conference.
Never mind that the Irish have the No. 30 strongest schedule in 2025. Compare that to Texas Tech, which sits at No. 48. Only two Big 12 teams (BYU at No. 28 and Oklahoma State at No. 19) have a stronger SOS than Notre Dame.
It's clear that joining a conference doesn't guarantee a tougher schedule. In fact, the Irish have a relatively complex schedule because they are able to schedule two SEC teams, two Big Ten teams, two of the best G6 teams in the country, and several ACC schools on the same slate.
As Texas Tech and Notre Dame are both poised to head to the College Football Playoffs this winter, Joey McGuire might learn the same lesson James Franklin did and wish he'd kept his mouth shut about the Irish and their independence.