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 enters 2026 at quarterback after suffering an ACL injury last season. Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby is no longer with the program following an eligibility dispute related to sports wagering. Cameron Dickey returns after averaging 80 rushing yards per game last season, while J’Koby Williams is back after averaging 62 yards per game. Quinten Joyner also returns after missing the 2025 season. Texas Tech must replace NFL-bound receivers Reggie Virgil and Caleb Douglas, but considerable production remains with tight end Terrance Carter returning after making 55 catches and Coy Eakin recording 48. Pitt transfer Kenny Johnson joins the receiving corps after making 48 receptions last season. The offensive line returns three full-time starters in Howard Sampson, Sheridan Wilson, and Jacob Ponton, with each starting all 14 games last season. Texas Tech will feature new starters at both guard spots, with five-star freshman Felix Ojo among the talented newcomers competing for a role up front.
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 making six starts. Texas Tech must replace leading tackler Jacob Rodriguez following his departure for the NFL. Ben Roberts provides continuity at linebacker, while Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine joins the group after making nine starts last season. AJ Holmes returns along the defensive line after making eight starts, while Washington transfer Bryce Butler and Wake Forest transfer Mateen Ibirogba are among the additions to 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 enters 2026 following a 12-win season with considerable 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. The Red Raiders will replace several major contributors but return a strong foundation from last season’s Big 12 contender.