News Summary
Texas Tech University is making significant strides in recruitment for its football program, securing high-profile commitments and enhancing its competitive edge. Under head coach Joey McGuire, the Red Raiders have attracted top-tier talent, moving their recruiting class ranking from 34th to 25th nationally. Key investments in facilities and a revamped NIL strategy, including a record deal for a five-star offensive tackle, signal a new era for the program. As competition intensifies, Texas Tech aims to establish itself as a dominant force in collegiate football.
Texas Tech University – July 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative month for Texas Tech’s Red Raiders football program, marked by a surge in recruitment that has fans and analysts alike buzzing with excitement. Under the guidance of head coach Joey McGuire and his dedicated staff, Texas Tech has made significant strides in attracting elite high school talent, competing fiercely with renowned programs like Michigan, Texas, Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia.
This renewed focus on recruiting has been rewarded with a series of high-profile commitments, including the top ten nationally ranked five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, ranked as the highest-rated commitment in the history of the program. Other notable additions are four-star wide receiver Chase Campbell, four-star running back Ashton Rowden, and four-star safety Donovan Webb, who had previously committed to Michigan. These commitments signify a remarkable shift in the Red Raiders’ fortunes on the recruiting front.
The enhancements in recruitment have boosted Texas Tech’s recruiting class ranking from 34th to 25th nationally, with aspirations to break into the top 20 in the next recruitment cycles. Currently, their 2026 recruiting class boasts eight commitments, pushing Texas Tech up to 23rd in the 247Sports team rankings, a notable improvement from being ranked 36th earlier.
Key to this recruiting success is the revamped name, image, and likeness (NIL) strategy employed by the Texas Tech football program. Investments amounting to over $28 million into the roster this year, alongside a $240 million facility enhancement, are designed to bolster recruitment efforts and position Texas Tech as a strong contender for top players.
Felix Ojo’s commitment is particularly significant, featuring a reported three-year revenue-sharing deal worth $5.1 million, highlighting the escalating competition among collegiate programs for prime talent. His recruitment involved considerable efforts from the coaching team, successfully outmaneuvering offers from prominent teams like Texas and Ohio State.
The historical context offers insight into the struggles and successes of the Texas Tech football program. Texas Tech has only cracked the top 25 of the 247Sports Composite team rankings twice in the modern recruiting era, in 2011 and 2024. The recent uptick in recruiting efforts indicates a potential turning point for the program. Additionally, with the recent departures of Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12, there is speculation about Texas Tech’s ability to reshape the landscape of the conference.
As the competition for recruits intensifies within the Big 12, particularly between Texas Tech and Baylor, analysts have pointed to this rivalry as “the hottest recruiting rivalry in the Big 12.” The commitment of Ojo is seen as a defining moment in establishing Texas Tech as a credible resource for high-level recruits, a sentiment echoed by various national analysts.
The combination of strategic recruitment, significant financial investments, and top-tier facility renovations not only represents a significant advancement for Texas Tech’s football program but also places it on a trajectory toward becoming a dominant force in college football.
The upcoming recruiting cycles will be pivotal in determining whether the Red Raiders can sustain this momentum and continue to attract elite talent as they aim to elevate their competitive profile in collegiate athletics.
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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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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
