Texas Tech Lands No. 2 Transfer class with $10 Million Haul
Texas Tech stunned the college football world in december by landing the No.2 ranked transfer portal class, a group that cost more than $10 million.
the Red Raiders, led by coach Joey McGuire, initially planned to spend $5 million on transfers but exceeded expectations with the caliber of players available. Texas Tech’s billionaire booster, Cody Campbell, and NIL collective leader of The Matador Club, felt they were just a few clutch plays and players away from making a run for their first Big 12 championship.
The ambitious plan involved meticulous five-month preparation and ten days of non-stop recruiting. Over that period, they attracted 17 newcomers, including seven of the top 75 players in ESPN’s transfer rankings. They brought in talent that included proven starters, potential all-conference performers, and players with NFL aspirations.
Texas Tech’s success in the portal wasn’t solely driven by its financial might, but rather a strategic combination of resources and relentless pursuit of talent.
Texas Tech Football’s “All-In” Approach to the Portal
Texas Tech is aiming to become a College Football Playoff contender in 2025, heavily investing in the transfer portal. Director of scouting Sean Blanchard, along with the coaching staff, has shifted the program’s recruiting strategy, prioritizing experienced players to fill key roster gaps.
Coach Joey McGuire describes their approach as “pushing all our chips in.” The staff spent the 2024 season meticulously evaluating players with remaining eligibility, targeting veterans who could contribute immediately.
Filling Roster Gaps
The Red Raiders were in need of upgrades at several positions, including running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and in the secondary. To address these gaps, the team strategically recruited players from the NCAA transfer portal.
Data-Driven Approach
Blanchard emphasizes the importance of data and insights from NFL scouts. “If the NFL is saying this guy is a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick … let’s lean towards the guys who do this all the time and let’s have an advantage,” he explains.
Building a Contender
This aggressive approach to bolstering the roster with talented transfers has led to an optimistic outlook for the future. The program is not simply hoping for its first outright conference title in 70 years but expects to achieve it.
Texas Tech Bolsters Roster with Key Transfers
Texas Tech University’s football program has made significant strides in strengthening its roster through the addition of five talented transfers. These key acquisitions come after the departure of star players, setting the stage for a promising season.
Head Coach Joey McGuire and his staff meticulously scoured the transfer portal,targeting players who could fill immediate needs and elevate the team’s overall competitiveness. Among the notable additions are former Texas A&M linebacker Jaylon Tucker and defensive lineman Rodriquez Daniels, both of whom bring valuable experience to a defense seeking to improve its performance.
the Red Raiders also secured the services of offensive lineman Will Jados, initially from Miami (Ohio), and defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, formerly of Northern Illinois. These additions bolster both sides of the line of scrimmage, providing depth and talent to key positions.
Completing the quintet is LSU tight end Terrance Carter, who adds another dimension to the Red Raiders’ offense. Carter’s presence will likely provide a target for quarterback Tyler Shough, presenting a formidable threat to opposing defenses.
While the Red Raiders faced setbacks with the loss of All-American offensive lineman Cole Wisniewski and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, the influx of talent via the transfer portal has instilled optimism for the upcoming season.
texas Tech Dominates Transfer Portal, Securing Top-Ranked Class
Innovative Approach and Early Planning Key to Success
Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire orchestrated an unprecedented success story during the recent transfer portal window, securing a class widely regarded as the nation’s best. This notable feat was driven by meticulous planning, aggressive pursuit, and forward-thinking strategies that set them apart from the competition.
McGuire’s unwavering ambition was evident from the start. He publicly expressed expectations for a top-five portal class, but his team pursued a No. 1 ranking with unwavering determination. “I don’t think they understood how aggressive we were going to be,” remarked former Coach, Dave Aranda.
Texas Tech’s success was rooted in a unique combination of foresight and preparation. Coach McGuire’s proactive approach, understanding the impending change in NCAA regulations and revenue sharing, allowed him to capitalize on the situation. Recognizing that power conferences would start directly paying players, McGuire began consulting with legal experts as early as July to fully grasp the implications for Texas Tech.
Moreover, Assistant Athletic director for Player Personnel, Chad Morris, and his team built a database of potential players, meticulously evaluating their abilities and fitting them into the program’s strategic vision.
“I’d say 85% of it was a waste of time,” Morris stated, “as most of ’em stayed or some went to the draft. But that 15% that wasn’t a waste of time? Man, we executed on it.We were proactive. We already had grades on guys and already had everything we needed done.”
This meticulous groundwork enabled the program to respond swiftly upon the opening of the transfer portal.
McGuire’s “psychopathetic” approach to the process, as he humorously described it, proved to be highly effective.
Texas Tech’s unwavering commitment to building a strong roster through the transfer portal has positioned them as a serious contender in the coming years.
Texas Tech exploits Transfer Portal to Bolster football Program
Texas Tech football faced a crossroads after a solid 8-5 season in 2023.While the outcome was promising,head coach Joey McGuire felt the team needed a significant boost to reach the next level. Recognizing a unique opportunity presented by the transfer portal, athletic director Kirby Hocutt empowered McGuire and his staff to aggressively pursue top talent.
Hocutt, who had already invested heavily in athletic facilities over the past three years, recognized the potent value of capitalizing on the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting. He encouraged McGuire to utilize front-loaded contracts to attract high-caliber transfers during the December window, knowing the NCAA’s new name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations could impact future compensation.
Texas Tech has historically struggled with recruiting, battling to establish itself among the top programs in the Big 12 conference. The team’s 94-93 record since 2010 reflects the challenges faced, and a top-25 finish in the AP poll has eluded them since the departure of legendary coach Mike Leach.
Though, recent years have seen a positive shift. Texas tech’s decision to re-invest in its athletic infrastructure through renovations of Jones AT&T Stadium and its football training center has undoubtedly caught the eye of potential recruits. Further, the team made significant strides in McGuire’s third season, achieving a pivotal six big 12 victories— their first since 2008. This momentum, coupled with the program’s bold approach to utilizing the transfer portal, positions Texas Tech for a compelling challenge in the upcoming season.
Texas Tech Lands Top Transfers in Blitz Recruiting Campaign
Texas Tech football made a major splash in the NCAA transfer portal, securing commitments from several highly-ranked players in a rapid-fire recruitment push. The Red Raiders, led by head coach Joey McGuire and his staff, prioritized bringing coveted players to Lubbock and building momentum quickly.
The team’s aggressive approach was exemplified by the pursuit of Lee Hunter, a top defensive tackle transfer from UCF. Recognizing Hunter’s potential, Texas Tech made sure he never had the chance to visit rivals, ultimately securing his commitment. ”When we get this guy on campus and we believe he’s the best at this or that, we’re not letting him leave,” said McGuire.
This strategy proved highly effective, culminating in a remarkable three-day period were multiple highly-desired players pledged their allegiance to Texas Tech, joining already-committed standout wide receiver, Tahj Virgil. The team’s initial success, combined with the visible success of other transfers, created a ripple effect, drawing further interest and leading to a rapid influx of talent.
“Once people saw us committing,” Virgil stated, “I’m pretty sure they were like, ‘Wait, man. What’s going on in Lubbock?’ Why not?
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