The Texas Tech Red Raiders didn’t just dip a toe into the transfer portal this offseason - they cannonballed in, again. After building a Big 12 Championship-winning roster last year, Joey McGuire and his staff doubled down in their pursuit of national relevance.
The result? A retooled, reloaded, and more balanced team that looks ready to take the next step in the College Football Playoff chase.
Let’s break down what made this another statement offseason in Lubbock - and why this version of the Red Raiders might be even more dangerous.
Most Important Addition: Brendan Sorsby, QB
It was no secret coming out of the College Football Playoff that Texas Tech needed more juice on offense. Behren Morton struggled under the bright lights, and the Red Raiders' inability to move the ball against elite competition was glaring. Enter Brendan Sorsby.
Sorsby was one of the top quarterbacks in the portal after a standout season at Cincinnati, and Texas Tech made sure they got their guy. He’s accurate, mobile, and brings a level of poise that this offense sorely lacked in big moments.
With the weapons around him in Lubbock, Sorsby isn’t just a plug-and-play starter - he’s a potential game-changer. If he clicks early, this offense could take a massive leap.
Most Impactful Addition: Mateen Ibirogba, DT
Texas Tech lost some serious star power on the defensive front, with David Bailey, Romello Height, and Lee Hunter all heading to the NFL. That’s a lot of production and leadership out the door. But the Red Raiders responded by landing one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the portal: Mateen Ibirogba.
Ibirogba doesn’t just fill a need - he brings pressure from the inside, something that can change the complexion of a defense. With 2 sacks and 26 pressures last season, he’s shown he can collapse pockets and create chaos. In a conference that loves to spread things out and throw, having a force like Ibirogba up the middle is a major asset.
Sleeper Addition: Malcolm Simmons, WR
Keep an eye on this one. Malcolm Simmons didn’t light up the stat sheet at Auburn - he finished with 457 yards - but the flashes were undeniable.
Just look at his Iron Bowl performance: 3 catches, 143 yards, and a touchdown. That’s the kind of explosiveness that can tilt a game.
Now imagine Simmons with a quarterback like Sorsby throwing him the ball in a system designed to get playmakers in space. The potential for a breakout year is very real. Simmons might not have been the most high-profile pickup of the offseason, but he could end up being the most productive.
Highest Upside Addition: Trey White, EDGE
Replacing elite edge rushers is no easy task, but Texas Tech took a big swing with Trey White from San Diego State. Over the last two seasons, White has racked up 19.5 sacks - that’s not just production, that’s consistency.
The question is whether he can replicate that success against Big 12 competition. If he can, the Red Raiders might have found their next pass-rushing star.
White has the speed, the bend, and the motor to be a problem off the edge. If he adjusts quickly, this defense could be even more disruptive than last year’s unit.
Biggest Loss: Braylon Rigsby, LB
Texas Tech didn’t suffer any catastrophic losses this offseason, which is a testament to their aggressive approach in the portal. But losing linebacker Braylon Rigsby to conference rival Oklahoma State does sting.
Rigsby brought versatility and athleticism to the front seven, and he could’ve filled multiple roles in this year’s defense. While the Red Raiders have the depth to absorb the loss, seeing him suit up for a Big 12 foe adds an extra layer to the rivalry.
Grading the Red Raiders’ Offseason
Offensive Grade: A+
Texas Tech’s defense carried the load in 2025, but the offense needed a spark - and they got it. Landing Sorsby changes the entire identity of this team.
Add in Simmons and other high-upside pieces, and suddenly this offense looks like it can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country. The Red Raiders didn’t just upgrade - they transformed.
Defensive Grade: A
No, this wasn’t the star-studded haul of last offseason, but it was still a strong showing. Ibirogba anchors the interior, Trey White brings pass-rush potential, and players like Austin Romaine will be asked to step up at linebacker. This group might not be as flashy, but it’s deep, balanced, and has the pieces to be elite again - especially if the smaller-school transfers make the leap.
Overall Grade: A+
Texas Tech isn’t just trying to win the Big 12 - they’re building a program that expects to be in the Playoff conversation every year. That means stacking great offseasons, not just having one flash in the pan. This year’s portal class wasn’t quite as headline-grabbing, but it might be more complete.
With Sorsby under center and a reloaded defense, the Red Raiders aren’t just back - they’re built to contend. If everything clicks, don’t be surprised if Lubbock becomes one of the toughest stops on the road to the national title.