Texas Tech Red Raiders: Five to Watch 2026
By Simon Carroll
Even during the days of Mike Leach, Michael Crabtree or Patrick Mahomes, excitement around the football program at Texas Tech has never been as fervent as it is today. In an era of college football where money has been more important than ever, having a benefactor amongst your alumni of Cody Campbell’s billionaire stature is a gamechanger. The one-time Red Raider offensive lineman has injected TTU football with something close to $90m since 2022, improving the stadium, facilities and roster as his former school establishes itself as the team to beat in the Big 12.
That investment paid dividends in 2025. Head coach Joey McGuire knew making the playoffs was the barometer for success, and he duly delivered – with a close loss to Arizona State the only blemish as he took Tech to a conference title. Portal additions proved the key to this leap, with David Bailey, Lee Hunter, Jalin Conyers and Davion Carter leading a group of 20 expensive transfers that took TTU to the next level.
More investment this season means the trajectory must continue. A humbling 23-0 loss to Oregon in the Red Raiders’ first playoff game highlighted the gulf between the Big 12 and the Big Ten, and it’s one McGuire is expected to close this season. Whilst it’s not quite Natty or bust for the legendary Texas high school coach, at least one postseason win and a more competitive performance against one of the blue bloods of the sport will constitute success in 2026. Here are five key names that will help this program reach their goals.
Texas Tech might be the team to beat in the Big 12, but their offseason has been anything other than a predetermined victory parade. Having forked out a reported $5m for the services of Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby, the quarterback subsequently checked himself into rehab for a gambling addiction. The extent of his problem appears to be severe, and worse news for TTU is that Sorsby is reportedly facing a year-long ban for betting on football – and in particular on games his own team was participating in, stretching back to his days at Indiana.
Even with a semi-successful appeal, it seems the Red Raiders will be without their QB1 for at least half of the season, if not more. Luckily for offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich, he has an experienced backup he can turn to; Will Hammond has played in 12 games over the past two seasons in Lubbock, and performed admirably last year when Behren Morton went down with injury. He completed 69 of 109 passes for 680 passing yards in 2025, alongside 299 rushing yards on the ground. His 131.4 passer rating and 73.6 QBR prove he can handle the offensive reins cleanly.
The catch? Hammond is recovering from an injury of his own, having torn his ACL against Oklahoma State last October. He’s on schedule to return by Week 2 of the season, meaning Tech will have to get by with Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis at least through the game against Abilene Christian. Plenty of turmoil under center, but Hammond could keep this season on track for the Red Raiders.
Terrance Carter Jr. enters the 2026 season as arguably the premier tight end in the country and a projected frontrunner for the John Mackey Award. In his debut season with the Red Raiders following his transfer from Louisiana, Carter proved to be an elite hybrid weapon, hauling in 55 receptions for 624 yards and 5 touchdowns. His ability to operate as a big-slot receiver and an explosive run-after-catch threat makes him an incredibly difficult mismatch for Big 12 linebackers and safeties to cover.
As Texas Tech manages their delicate quarterback situation Carter’s importance to the passing game cannot be overstated. He acts as the ultimate on-field safety valve, capable of turning short, high-percentage throws into chunk gains. His consistency in high-stakes games, evidenced by a heavy 9-catch load in the postseason against Oregon, shows TTU has a chain mover amongst their ranks that can keep the offense moving regardless of who is under center.
Anthony ‘AJ’ Holmes Jr. is the engine that dictates how aggressive and disruptive Texas Tech can be at the line of scrimmage. After being thrust into a major starting role mid-season due to injuries on the front line, the 300-pound former Houston defensive tackle exploded into a PFF Second-Team All-American. Holmes wreaked havoc on opposing backfields, registering 38 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 7 quarterback hurries, including a stellar multi-sack performance against Kansas.
Heading into 2026, Holmes is recognized nationally as a top-tier interior defensive prospect. His capacity to command double-teams while remaining a distinct pass-rushing threat collapses the pocket from the inside out. By anchoring the interior, Holmes frees up edge rushers and incoming portal transfers to chase down quarterbacks, making him the foundational centerpiece of defensive coordinator Shiel Wood’s unit.
Brice Pollock solidifies the back end of the defense as a shutdown, ball-hawking cornerback. Starting all 14 games as a sophomore in 2025, Pollock established himself as the premier turnover generator in the Red Raiders’ secondary. He led the team with 5 interceptions while adding 7 passes defended and 30 solo tackles, locking down his assignments against the increasingly pass-heavy offensive schemes of the Big 12.
Pollock’s role in 2026 is critical for maintaining defensive stability if the TTU offense has issues moving the ball in Sorsby’s absence. By erasing an opponent’s top wide receiver option and forcing quick decisions, he gives the Red Raider pass rush extra time to get home. Pollock’s proven ability to flip field positioning with momentum-swinging takeaways makes him an indispensable leader of the secondary.
Sheridan Wilson is the literal and figurative anchor of the Texas Tech offensive line, ranked among the nation’s top returning interior blockers. Starting all 14 games at center in 2025, Wilson served as the team captain and the offensive frontline’s voice. His veteran leadership helped navigate a front line that powered explosive offensive performances, including a massive 49-0 regular-season finale blowout against West Virginia.
Wilson’s importance in 2026 peaks with the quarterback uncertainty in Lubbock. As the center, Wilson is tasked with identifying defensive alignments, calling out protections, and managing pre-snap adjustments to keep his young quarterback clean. Keeping Hammond, Francis or any other quarterback upright and setting firm run lanes is the baseline requirement for the Red Raiders’ offensive success, placing a massive premium on Wilson’s elite consistency.
SIMON CARROLL
Lead Writer, Head of Content
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST AND COVERS THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS FOR SB NATION.