Texas Tech University in Lubbock is positioning its football program for a repeat performance after last season’s breakthrough. The Red Raiders finished 2025 with a 12‑2 record, captured their first Big 12 championship and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. The momentum continues as the team adds experienced players through the transfer portal and relies on a core of returning starters.
Returning leaders and new faces on defense
The defensive unit returns several proven contributors while also welcoming a wave of upper‑class transfers. Linebacker Austin Romaine, who logged 162 tackles over his last two seasons at Kansas State, joins the front seven. Edge rushers Trey White (19½ sacks in three seasons at San Diego State) and Adam Trick (13 sacks at Miami, Ohio) are expected to bolster the pass rush. Veteran linebacker Ben Roberts, a three‑year starter with 90 tackles last season, was the top defensive player in the Big 12 championship game, recording two interceptions. Cornerback Brice Pollock leads the conference with five interceptions and will anchor the secondary.
Quarterback situation stabilizes
Will Hammond is slated to replace NFL draft pick Behren Morton as the starting quarterback. Hammond’s path was briefly interrupted by an ACL injury in October and the departure of transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby amid an NCAA gambling investigation and a dropped lawsuit over his eligibility. Coach Joey McGuire says Hammond will be ready for the season opener and will have ample support around him.
Offensive firepower returns
The Red Raiders retain a dynamic running back tandem. Cameron Dickey rushed for 1,124 yards and a Big 12‑leading 14 touchdowns last season, while J’Koby Williams added 868 yards and six scores. Together they contributed 60 receptions and four additional touchdowns. Wide receiver Coy Eakin returns with 48 catches for 637 yards and six touchdowns, and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. adds 51 receptions. Several new receivers have also joined the roster via the portal to deepen the passing attack.
Schedule highlights
Texas Tech’s 2026 slate does not feature ranked opponents BYU (No. 14) or Utah (No. 21) in the regular season, but the Red Raiders will open with a September 18 matchup against No. 23 Houston. Other key games include contests against Arizona State on October 17 and a late‑season showdown with TCU on November 26.
Looking ahead
While the defensive front is entirely new, the blend of seasoned veterans and experienced transfers could make the unit even stronger than last year’s nationally recognized defense. The success of the group will depend on how quickly the newcomers gel and execute Coach McGuire’s schemes. If the players can replicate the cohesion that propelled the Red Raiders to a championship, Texas Tech could once again contend for the Big 12 crown and a return to the College Football Playoff.
Key departures to the NFL
Last season’s record nine NFL draft selections included defensive linemen David Bailey (New York Jets), Romello Height (San Francisco 49ers), Lee Hunter (Carolina Panthers), and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (Miami Dolphins). Their professional advancement underscores the program’s growing reputation for developing talent.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
