With an impressive record of 8-5 last season and a third consecutive bowl appearance under the guidance of Joey McGuire, excitement is in the air for Texas Tech football. Fans are buzzing about the potential of the upcoming season, and the Red Raiders are gearing up to make a significant impact in the Big 12.
Roster Changes and Key Departures
As the team prepares for the 2025 season, there are some notable changes on the roster. The Red Raiders will welcome back their two-year starting quarterback Behren Morton and their No. 2 leading receiver Caleb Douglas, who made waves as a former Florida transfer. However, they will need to fill the shoes of leading rusher Tahj Brooks and standout receiver Josh Kelly, both of whom have exhausted their eligibility after the 2024 season. How will the team adapt to these departures?
Transfer Portal Success
Texas Tech has been proactive in the NCAA Transfer Portal, which opened on December 9. The coaching staff has been busy reloading their roster, and the results are impressive. Currently, Texas Tech boasts the No. 1 class in On3’s Team Transfer Portal Index. This ranking is based on a proprietary algorithm that assesses a team’s talent improvement during the transfer process, rather than comparing them to other schools. With an On3(P) score of 74, the Red Raiders are leading the pack, far ahead of Missouri (57), Ole Miss (56), Miami (50), and LSU (47).
Player Movement: Who’s In and Who’s Out
While the Red Raiders have seen 15 players from last year’s roster enter the portal, they have added 17 new players, including nine four-star transfer prospects. This influx of talent is crucial for the team’s aspirations in the upcoming season. The question remains: can these new additions gel quickly and contribute to the team’s success?
Notable Transfers In for the Red Raiders
Among the standout additions are several key players who are expected to make an immediate impact. Notable transfers include:
- DL Lee Hunter (UCF)
- RB Quinten Joyner (USC)
- CB Brice Pollock (Mississippi State)
- TE Terrance Carter (Louisiana-Lafayette)
- OT Hunter Zambrano (Illinois State)
- OT Howard Sampson (North Carolina)
These players bring a wealth of experience and talent to the team, enhancing the Red Raiders’ chances of competing at a high level. Each of these transfers has a unique skill set that can help fill the gaps left by departing players.
Replacing Key Players: The Next Steps
One of the most significant losses for Texas Tech was former Five-Star Plus+ WR signee Micah Hudson, who decided to transfer to Texas A&M. However, the coaching staff quickly found a replacement in Reginald Virgil, a transfer from Miami (Ohio). Virgil had an impressive season last year, leading the MAC with 41 receptions for 816 yards and nine touchdowns. He is expected to complement Douglas, who is poised to be one of the top wide receivers in the Big 12 next season.
Strengthening the Lines
The offensive and defensive lines were also a top priority during this transfer window. Texas Tech secured the No. 3 (Zambrano) and No. 10 (Sampson) available offensive tackles to bolster their front line. On the defensive side, Hunter emerged as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the portal after a standout season at UCF, where he recorded 45 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. These additions are vital for establishing a solid foundation for both the offense and defense.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Texas Tech?
As the Red Raiders gear up for the 2025 season, the combination of returning talent and new transfers creates a sense of optimism. The coaching staff’s ability to navigate the transfer portal effectively has set the stage for a competitive season. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Texas Tech is poised to make a significant impact in the Big 12. Can they build on last season’s success and take it to the next level? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding Texas Tech football is palpable, and fans are ready for what lies ahead!
