Texas Tech just made a serious statement on the recruiting trail.
With 247Sports dropping its final rankings for the 2026 class, the Red Raiders landed a program-record seven signees in the Top247-that’s seven of the top 250 high school football players in the country heading to Lubbock. It’s a haul that puts Texas Tech’s 2026 recruiting class at No. 18 nationally, and more importantly, No. 1 in the Big 12. Add in a top-10 transfer class (ranked 9th), and Tech’s overall class checks in at No. 14 in the country.
This isn’t just a good class. This is a foundational class.
Head coach Joey McGuire summed it up in three words: *“Speed, athleticism, and size.” * That last one?
It’s not just coach-speak. McGuire’s been vocal about his desire to get bigger up front, whether it’s through high school recruiting or the portal.
And this group delivers.
Let’s break down the seven Top247 signees:
- Felix Ojo (No. 17 overall): A five-star offensive lineman who headlines the class. Ojo has the kind of frame and movement skills that get NFL scouts circling names early.
- LaDamion Guyton (No. 45): A four-star edge rusher who reclassified to 2026 to get to Tech a year early.
He’s not on campus yet, but he’ll arrive this summer.
- **Chase Campbell (No.
101)**: A dynamic four-star wide receiver with big-play ability and the polish to contribute early.
- **Bryce Gilmore (No.
149)**: Another four-star O-lineman, adding to the size and depth up front.
- **S’Vioarean Martin (No.
177)**: A four-star cornerback and a new addition to the Top247. He’s got the kind of athleticism and ball skills that can change games.
- Kaegan Ash (No. 216): A four-star linebacker with elite testing numbers and track speed.
Some see long-term NFL upside here-possibly even on offense.
- **Matt Ludwig (No.
233)**: A four-star tight end who brings versatility and physicality to the Red Raiders' offensive arsenal.
Six of the seven are already on campus and enrolled. Only Guyton, due to his reclassification, will arrive later this summer.
What’s most impressive about this class isn’t just the talent-it’s the balance. You’ve got trench talent in Ojo and Gilmore, edge pressure from Guyton, offensive firepower in Campbell and Ludwig, and athleticism on the back end with Martin and Ash. That’s how you build a roster that can compete not just in the Big 12, but nationally.
247Sports national analyst Gabe Brooks echoed that sentiment, praising Tech’s ability to land "high-ceiling skill players" like Campbell and Martin, while also stacking elite talent in the trenches. Brooks pointed out that when you're winning battles for players like Ojo, Guyton, and Gilmore, you're operating in the same waters as the sport’s heavyweights.
Brooks also highlighted Kaegan Ash as a fascinating long-term bet. He’s making a big leap in competition, but his versatility, production, and athletic profile suggest a player who could develop into a difference-maker-on either side of the ball.
And if you’re wondering whether this is a one-off? It’s not.
Texas Tech’s 2027 recruiting class is already ranked No. 7 nationally, with five early commits-four of whom are already in the Top247. That’s momentum.
That’s vision. And that’s a sign that McGuire and his staff aren’t just building a team.
They’re building a program.
The Red Raiders are officially on the rise-and the rest of the Big 12 should be paying close attention.