Red Raiders Surge in National Recruiting Rankings After Dominating July

The concluding month of July could be considered a pivotal moment for Texas Tech football, and under the leadership of head coach Joey McGuire, the Red Raiders concluded an impressive month of high school recruiting, further solidifying their rising prominence as a formidable force on the national scene.

Texas Tech not only triumphed in recruiting competitions but did so against some of the most formidable programs in the sport. In recent weeks, the Red Raiders have outperformed established giants, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and Texas, in securing elite talent—the outcome: a significant rise in the national standings from 34th to 25th.

Highlighting Texas Tech’s 2026 class are standout additions such as five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, who is positioned in the national top 10, alongside four-star wide receiver Chase Campbell, recognized as a top-60 player. The team successfully brought in four-star running back Ashton Rowden and achieved a significant defensive victory by persuading four-star safety Donovan Webb to switch from Michigan.

McGuire and his team are currently focusing on the possibility of securing a top-20 class as the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses. Their success can be attributed, in part, to a bold revamp of the program’s recruiting approach, driven by enhanced NIL opportunities and the recent $240 million upgrades to the athletic facilities. Texas Tech’s dedication to standing toe-to-toe with the top-tier programs—both in gameplay and in the recruiting arena—is starting to yield results.

The Red Raiders' advancement highlights a significant shift in the college football landscape, as programs beyond the traditional elite are increasingly utilizing resources and contemporary tactics to vie for supremacy. If July serves as a sign, McGuire's strategy for enhancing Texas Tech may soon transform the Red Raiders into a consistent top-10 recruiting powerhouse.

As the 2026 class evolves, attention will be focused on Lubbock to determine if this positive trend persists into the fall and beyond.