Texas Tech has long been known for lighting up scoreboards with high-octane offense, but this season, it’s the defense-and more specifically, one defensive lineman-that’s turning heads ahead of the NFL Draft. Lee Hunter, the Red Raiders’ disruptive force up front, is rapidly climbing draft boards, and if projections hold, he might not have to leave the state of Texas to begin his pro career.
Hunter’s journey to Lubbock took a few turns. He originally signed with Auburn but never played a snap there, eventually finding his footing at UCF before transferring to Texas Tech. That move turned out to be a game-changer-not just for Hunter, but for a Red Raiders defense that became a legitimate force en route to a College Football Playoff appearance.
This season, Hunter was a cornerstone of that defensive unit. His stat line speaks volumes: 41 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
But beyond the numbers, it was his presence in the trenches that set the tone. Whether clogging running lanes or collapsing the pocket, Hunter consistently made life miserable for opposing offenses.
And his full college résumé is even more impressive. Across his career, he’s piled up 172 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks-production that’s hard to ignore for NFL teams looking for a difference-maker on the defensive line.
According to a recent 2026 NFL mock draft from Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling, Hunter is projected to go 38th overall to the Houston Texans. That’s a second-round pick with first-round upside, and it’s a fit that makes a lot of sense.
Houston’s defense was already one of the most aggressive in the league this past season, racking up 47 sacks over 17 games. Adding a player like Hunter to that mix?
That’s the kind of move that could elevate the unit from dangerous to downright dominant. His ability to anchor against the run while still offering interior pass rush makes him a versatile chess piece for a Texans front that thrives on physicality and pressure.
For Red Raiders fans, seeing one of their own potentially land with a rising NFL team just a few hours down the road adds another layer of excitement. And for NFL scouts, Hunter’s tape-and his trajectory-tell the story of a player who’s just scratching the surface of what he can become.
Lee Hunter may have started his college career quietly, but he’s finishing it with a roar. And if Houston ends up calling his name in April, don’t be surprised if he makes an immediate impact on Sundays.