News Summary
Texas Tech’s football program is witnessing a surge in recruiting success, highlighted by five-star commitments and a focus on name, image, and likeness opportunities. With head coach Joey McGuire at the helm, the Red Raiders have climbed in national recruiting rankings and secured elite talent. Recent commitments, including a notable financial backing initiative, indicate a promising future for the program as it positions itself against formidable rivals in the Big 12.
Lubbock, Texas — Texas Tech’s football program is experiencing a significant surge in recruiting momentum, marked by notable five-star commitments and an enhanced strategy focusing on name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. As July 2025 approaches, fans are optimistic about the Red Raiders’ path towards establishing a stronger foothold in college football.
Under the leadership of head coach Joey McGuire, Texas Tech executed one of the nation’s top high school recruiting efforts, securing elite talent in a competitive landscape against powerhouse programs such as Michigan, Texas, Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. This influx of exceptional players is not only a reflection of the program’s growing appeal but signals a shift in the fortunes of Red Raiders football.
Among the most celebrated commitments are:
- Felix Ojo, a five-star offensive tackle, ranked among the top ten nationally.
- Chase Campbell, a four-star wide receiver, considered one of the top sixty players.
- Ashton Rowden, a four-star running back.
- Donovan Webb, a four-star safety who switched his commitment from Michigan.
These accomplishments have propelled Texas Tech’s recruiting class from 34th to 25th in national rankings, with ambitions to break into the top 20 in the future. The 2026 recruiting class currently boasts eight commitments, elevating Texas Tech to 23rd in the 247Sports rankings, an impressive climb from their previous standing of 36th.
Boosting this recruitment success is a robust $240-million facility enhancement initiative designed to cultivate an elite training environment for athletes. In addition, major financial investments exceeding $28 million into the roster this year have significantly bolstered the program’s recruiting efforts, allowing the Red Raiders to position themselves as competitive players in the NIL arena.
One of the most striking commitments has come from Felix Ojo, whose reported three-year revenue-sharing deal is worth an impressive $5.1 million. Ojo’s commitment has placed him in the spotlight, making him the highest-rated recruit in Texas Tech history. This combination of high-profile recruits and financial backing indicates a pivotal moment for the university’s football ambitions.
Historically, Texas Tech has struggled to consistently rank among the top 25 teams in recruiting, achieving this feat only twice since 2011. However, the program’s latest successes indicate a promising future in the evolving landscape of college athletics, especially as the dynamics of the Big 12 shift following the departures of Texas and Oklahoma.
The competition for recruits is intensifying within the Big 12, particularly against rivals like Baylor. National analysts have cited this rivalry as “the hottest recruiting rivalry in the Big 12,” further highlighting the stakes involved in attracting top-tier talent to each program. With Texas Tech emerging as a credible competitor for elite recruits, the dynamics within the conference may be reshaped as both schools vie for supremacy.
The commitment from five-star recruit Ojo, in particular, stands out as a significant victory over more established programs such as Texas and Ohio State, both of which had shown keen interest in his services. This achievement not only boosts Texas Tech’s recruiting prowess but also illustrates the program’s renewed ability to attract top talent that can contribute to future successes.
With the current trajectory pointing toward enhanced recruiting success, Texas Tech’s football program is preparing to capitalize on this momentum. The combination of strategic recruitment, financial investment, and facility enhancements positions Texas Tech as a formidable player in the evolving college football landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Wreck ‘Em Red: Texas Tech 2012 Football Record Book
- ESPN: Five-Star OT Felix Ojo Commits to Texas Tech
- CBS Sports: Felix Ojo Commits to Texas Tech
- Sports Illustrated: Texas Tech Closing July as Hottest Recruiting Team
- Wreck ‘Em Red: Texas Tech 2008 Football Record Book
- Wikipedia: Texas Tech Red Raiders Football
- Google Search: Texas Tech Football Recruiting
- Google Scholar: Texas Tech Football Recruiting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Tech University
- Google News: Texas Tech Football

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