Red Raiders Aim to Defend Big 12 Title
Texas Tech entered its preseason camp with a sense of optimism after a historic 2024 campaign that saw the Red Raiders capture the Big 12 championship, secure a College Football Playoff berth and earn an Orange Bowl appearance.
The program returns seven offensive starters and six defensive starters, while adding 21 newcomers through the transfer portal, a move that has positioned the team as preseason favorites to repeat as conference champions.
Quarterback Brendan Sorsby exited the program earlier this offseason, reducing the anticipated influx of transfers to 21, but the coaching staff remains confident in the depth at the position.
Offensive continuity is anchored by returning guards Howard Sampson and tackle Jacob Ponton, with center Sheridan Wilson providing stability, while newcomers Jordan Church and Hunter Zambrano are expected to see significant snaps early in the season.
Running back Quinten Joyner, a 5‑foot‑11, 220‑pound power back, is working his way back from an ACL tear that ended his sophomore campaign, competing with Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams for carries.
Veteran Will Hammond, who missed the final weeks of last season with a knee injury, has been cleared by his surgeon but awaits final medical clearance from Tech’s staff before he can be activated for the season opener against Abilene Christian on Sept. 5.
Coach Joey McGuire and Hammond himself have noted the surgeon’s clearance, yet the final decision will hinge on the team’s medical staff as the roster prepares for its first test.
On defense, the Red Raiders ranked first nationally in turnovers forced and tied for sixth in sacks, but the departure of contributors Jacob Rodriguez, David Bailey and Romello Height leaves a void that the unit must fill.
Safety Spot Contention
Peyton Morgan emerged as the first‑team field safety during spring drills, while Division II All‑America Jordan Rogers, who posted 85 tackles and five interceptions in 2023, is expected to compete for the open spot alongside Oliver Miles III and Malik Esquerra.
With a schedule that opens against Abilene Christian and later travels to Waco and Pittsburgh State, the Red Raiders are poised to turn early momentum into a sustained push for another Big 12 title.