Texas Tech is thriving in the new college football landscape, thanks in large part to deep donor pockets fueled by West Texas oil money. That financial boost translated into the top-ranked transfer class in the country this offseason and has positioned the Red Raiders to field one of the most talented rosters in program history. According to Phil Steele, 12 Tech players earned preseason All-Big 12 honors, further proof of how far the program has come.
This influx of talent should also lead to one of the best NFL Draft classes the school has ever seen. I currently have seven Texas Tech players with draftable grades, which would surpass the previous record of five, set back in 1980. Several others, like wide receiver Roy Alexander and defensive tackle Skyler Gill‑Howard, carry strong priority free agent grades heading into the season.
Bottom line: Texas Tech is loaded, and 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year.
Texas Tech 2026 NFL Draft Prospects
OLB: David Bailey
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Third Round
The highest-rated player Texas Tech landed this season is outside linebacker David Bailey, a transfer from Stanford who was ranked as the No. 9 overall transfer by ESPN. What stands out about Bailey is his pass-rushing ability. Last season, he recorded seven sacks and earned an impressive 93.2 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. He flashes with his explosive get-off, agility that lets him bend the edge with ease, and a relentless motor. As a pass rusher, he reminds me of the Vikings’ 2023 first-round pick, Dallas Turner.The reason Bailey carries only a high third-round grade on my board is his lack of coverage experience and limited overall usage at Stanford — he played more than 30 snaps in just four games last season.
MLB: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Fourth Round
Jacob Rodriguez was one of the most productive linebackers in college football last season. He led the Big 12 in total tackles (127), tackles per game (9.77), solo tackles per game (5.9), and total solo tackles (77). He also recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks on just 71 pass rush snaps. Beyond the stats, Rodriguez brings strong leadership, fluid hips that help him hold up in coverage, and a high football IQ—traits NFL teams will value heading into draft season.
AP First Team All-Big 12 → Jacob Rodriguez#WreckEm | @AP pic.twitter.com/HQc9kVAgvI
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) December 12, 2024
S: Cole Wisniewski
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Fifth Round
Heading into the 2024 season, Cole Wisniewski was my highest-rated FCS safety after leading the nation with eight interceptions the year before. A foot injury sidelined him for the entire season, but he’s now transferred to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are getting a safety with elite ball skills, reliable tackling, and one of the highest football IQs in the country.
OT: Howard Sampson
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Seventh Round
Texas Tech made a major splash in the transfer portal by landing former North Carolina offensive tackle Howard Sampson. Standing at 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds, Sampson brings rare size and strength to the Red Raiders' offensive line. Texas Tech beat out both Georgia and LSU for his commitment, a testament to his NFL potential. His biggest strength is his raw power, which allows him to dominate in the run game and makes him nearly impossible to bull rush in pass protection. To raise his draft stock, however, Sampson must clean up his technique. He has a tendency to lunge on blocks and often gets his hands outside the defender, leading to multiple holding penalties last season.
"No ego with (Howard Sampson). He truly has a lot of talent, very high ceiling. But it's one of those rare combinations where he wants to be coached, he wants to be pushed. He's not a high maintenance guy. He's not an entitled kid. He's a very hard working, competitive kid that goes out there and gets after it. So it's been a pleasure having him, it's been a pleasure in our room and coaching him."Texas Tech OL coach Clay McGuire
OLB: Romello Height
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Seventh Round
Georgia Tech landed one of the top edge rushers in the transfer portal with Romello Height, who was ranked the second-best outside linebacker available by ESPN. His appeal lies in his pass-rushing ability—he totaled 32 quarterback pressures last season. However, there are concerns about how well his game will transition to the next level. Height lacks the strength to consistently defend the run and has limited experience in coverage. His agility is also a question mark, which could make him a liability in space. Still, he has a shot at sticking on an NFL roster as a backup 3-4 outside linebacker and special teams contributor.
TE: Terrance Carter Jr.
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Seventh Round
Terrance Carter Jr., a former standout at Louisiana, was one of the most productive tight ends in college football last season. Now transferring to the Big 12, he looks to keep that momentum going. At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, Carter has excellent hands. He led all Sun Belt tight ends with 689 receiving yards on 48 catches and dropped just three passes on 62 targets. Despite his impressive production, his size and strength limitations may cap his draft stock at a late-round selection. However, his skill set and versatility could earn him a role in the NFL as an H-back or even a fullback.
DT: Lee Hunter
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: Seventh Round
Lee Hunter is a prospect others are higher on than I am. NFL Draft Buzz gives him a fifth-round grade, and ESPN ranked him as the No. 2 defensive tackle in the transfer portal. But I see a very average athlete with a motor that runs hot and cold. To his credit, he’s been productive. Over the past two seasons, he leads all FBS interior defenders in run-defense stops (58) and tackles for loss or no gain (27), per Pro Football Focus.