Texas Tech University’s football program is setting its sights on a repeat performance after capturing its first Big 12 championship and earning a College Football Playoff spot last season. Entering the 2026 campaign ranked No. 12 nationally, the Red Raiders are bolstered by a school‑record nine NFL draft selections, including six defensive stand‑outs.
Defensive upgrades through the transfer portal
The Red Raiders have added ten upper‑classmen to the defensive front seven. Linebacker Austin Romaine arrives from Kansas State after posting 162 tackles over two seasons. Edge rushers Trey White, who recorded 19½ sacks at San Diego State, and Adam Trick, a three‑year, 13‑sack contributor from Miami (Ohio), are expected to fill the gaps left by departing veterans.
Returning leaders include three‑year starter Ben Roberts, who logged 90 tackles and two interceptions in the Big 12 championship game, and cornerback Brice Pollock, who led the conference with five interceptions last year.
Quarterback situation stabilizes
Will Hammond is slated to take over for former NFL draft pick Behren Morton at quarterback. Hammond was the projected starter before suffering an ACL tear in October and before Sorsby’s transfer from Cincinnati was halted by an NCAA gambling investigation and a related lawsuit. Coach Joey McGuire says Hammond will be ready for the season opener and will have ample support around him.
Offensive firepower returns
The running back tandem of Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams returns intact. Dickey rushed for 1,124 yards and a Big 12‑leading 14 touchdowns last season, while Williams added 868 yards and six scores. Together they contributed 60 receptions and four additional touchdowns.
Key receivers include senior Coy Eakin, who posted 48 catches for 637 yards and six touchdowns, and tight end Terrance Carter Jr., who recorded 51 receptions. Several new receivers were added via the portal to deepen the passing attack.
Schedule highlights
Texas Tech’s 2026 slate does not feature ranked BYU (No. 14) or Utah (No. 21) in the regular season, but the Red Raiders will open against No. 23 Houston on September 18. Other notable matchups include Arizona State on October 17 and a late‑season showdown with TCU on November 26.
Looking ahead
While the defensive line is entirely new, the depth and experience brought in through transfers could make the 2026 unit even stronger than last year’s nationally recognized group. The true test will be how quickly the newcomers gel and execute Coach McGuire’s schemes. If the Red Raiders can replicate the cohesion that propelled them to a conference title, they stand a solid chance of returning to the College Football Playoff.
Fans in Lubbock and across Texas will be watching closely as the team strives to cement its place among the nation’s elite programs.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
