Joey McGuire returns for his fifth season after Texas Tech finished 12-2 overall and 8-1 in Big 12 play in 2025. Mack Leftwich returns as offensive coordinator, while Will Hammond returns as the starting quarterback after suffering an ACL injury last season. Quinten Joyner also returns after missing the 2025 season, and Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams are back after averaging 80 and 62 rushing yards per game, respectively. Update (Oct. 14): RB Cameron Dickey suffered an injury against Colorado on October 3, creating uncertainty in Texas Tech’s running back rotation. J’Koby Williams and Quinten Joyner offer experienced alternatives, though Dickey’s return timeline remains unconfirmed. Texas Tech must replace NFL-bound receivers Reggie Virgil and Caleb Douglas, but tight end Terrance Carter returns after making 55 catches, and Coy Eakin recorded 48. Pitt transfer Kenny Johnson joins the receiving corps after making 48 receptions last season. The offensive line returns three full-time starters: Howard Sampson, Sheridan Wilson, and Jacob Ponton, each starting all 14 games last season. Update (Oct. 14): Cash Cleveland has moved into the starting lineup at guard alongside Louisville transfer Jordan Church, joining returning starters Sampson, Wilson, and Ponton. Hunter Zambrano also provides experience along the offensive line. Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby is no longer with the program after an eligibility dispute over sports wagering.
Shiel Wood returns for his second season as defensive coordinator, with Texas Tech bringing back five of its top eleven tacklers from last season. Four of those returners—Ben Roberts, John Curry, Brenden Jordan, and Brice Pollock—started all 14 games, while Amir Boyd-Matthews adds significant starting experience after six starts. Ben Roberts provides continuity at linebacker, while Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine joins the group after making nine starts last season. Texas Tech must replace leading tackler Jacob Rodriguez after he left for the NFL. AJ Holmes returns along the defensive line after eight starts, while Washington transfer Bryce Butler and Wake Forest transfer Mateen Ibirogba join the defensive front.
Kenny Perry returns for his fifth season as special teams coordinator after earning 2025 FootballScoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year honors. Stone Harrington returns at placekicker after making 22 field goals last season, while UCLA transfer Will Karoll takes over at punter. Pitt transfer Kenny Johnson, J’Koby Williams, and Malcolm Simmons are among several options in the return game.
Texas Tech entered 2026 after a 12-win season, with strong returning production at the skill positions and significant experience in several key areas. Three offensive linemen started all 14 games last season, while four of the five returning top-eleven tacklers also started every game. Update (Oct. 14): The Red Raiders are 5-0 and ranked No. 12 in the AP poll following a 29-7 victory at Colorado on October 3. Texas Tech has maintained its strong defensive foundation while adjusting to changes in the offensive lineup and backfield rotation.