Lee Hunter’s Journey Comes Full Circle at the Senior Bowl
Lee Hunter’s return to Mobile, Alabama isn’t just a homecoming-it’s a chance to show how far he’s come. The Texas Tech defensive lineman is one of five Red Raiders set to compete in the 2026 Senior Bowl, a well-earned opportunity to raise his NFL Draft stock in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from across the league.
For Hunter, this moment is more than just a showcase-it’s a milestone in a winding, resilient path through college football.
He began his career at Auburn, arriving with high expectations but ultimately finding limited opportunities to make the impact he was capable of. After some time in the transfer portal, Hunter found a new home at UCF under Gus Malzahn.
It was a fresh start and a necessary step in his development. But it wasn’t his final stop.
Following the 2024 season, Hunter made another move-this time to Lubbock, Texas. And that’s where things really clicked.
In 2025, Hunter emerged as a cornerstone of the Red Raiders’ defensive front. He racked up 41 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble-numbers that speak to both his consistency and disruptive presence in the trenches. Whether he was shedding blocks to stop the run or collapsing the pocket, Hunter made his presence felt every Saturday.
What stands out about Hunter isn’t just the stats-it’s the journey. He’s battled through adversity, navigated the ever-changing landscape of college football, and found a way to elevate his game at every stop. That kind of resilience doesn’t go unnoticed by NFL evaluators.
Now, with the Senior Bowl set to kick off in his hometown, Hunter has a golden opportunity to put all of that growth on display. The week of practices and the game itself will give him a chance to prove he can compete with the nation’s best-and that he belongs at the next level.
For Texas Tech, having five players in the Senior Bowl is a testament to the program’s development pipeline. For Hunter, it’s a chance to cap off his college career where it all began-at home, in Mobile-with the NFL watching.
And based on the season he just had, don’t be surprised if he makes the most of it.