Texas Tech’s football program entered the offseason with a clear priority: adding depth to a unit that finished among the nation’s best defensively. The Red Raiders posted the third‑ranked scoring defense and ranked in the top ten for turnover creation in the FBS last year, a foundation that has attracted a wave of transfer talent.
In January the coaching staff announced the arrival of four receivers via the NCAA transfer portal, a move designed to complement the existing skill set and to give the offense more versatility.
New Receivers Bring Varied Skill Sets
Donte Lee, a fifth‑year senior from Baltimore, made an immediate impression during the first full‑pads practice, hauling in a spectacular catch that highlighted his vertical speed. Lee, who previously thrived in a vertical‑pass heavy scheme, is expected to stretch the field and open space for his teammates.
Kenny Johnson, a 6‑foot, 200‑pound senior, brings a blend of energy and leadership that coaches have praised since his early projection as a starter. His presence is seen as a cultural catalyst as much as a statistical contributor.
Jalen Jones, a 5‑8, 180‑pound junior from Birmingham, Alabama, arrives after earning second‑team All‑America honors at the FCS level with 1,167 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His compact frame belies a knack for gaining yards after the catch.
Malcolm Simmons, a 6‑foot, 180‑pound junior from Montgomery, Alabama, adds a track‑and‑field background that translates into electric acceleration. He logged 451 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, including two 100‑yard games that underscored his deep‑threat capability.
Coaches plan to deploy the newcomers in multiple roles, including the ‘Joker’ position alongside running back J'Koby Williams, creating dynamic personnel groupings that can keep defenses guessing.
Justin Johnson, Tech’s assistant head coach and wide‑receivers coach, emphasized that the transfers fit seamlessly into the program’s culture, noting that their work ethic and attitude align with the team’s established standards.