Texas Tech Transfer Portal Tracker Ahead of 2026 Season
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The Texas Tech Red Raiders had a historic season, finishing 11-1 in the regular season (8-1 in the Big 12) and winning the program's first outright conference title in 70 years. Part of the dominance was a result of Tech's savvy additions in the transfer portal, including standouts like Howard Sampson, Reggie Virgil, David Bailey, and Romello Height.
In college football, the transfer portal window has become a pseudo-free agency, allowing teams to rebuild and restock after the ebbs and flows of the season. This year, there will be just one transfer portal window, which opened on Friday, Jan. 2, and closes on Friday, Jan. 16.
Which Texas Tech players are entering the transfer portal, and who will the Red Raiders add for the 2026 season as they aim to remain contenders? This article will be updated as news is broken, players announce their decisions, and Texas Tech constructs its roster for next season.
Last Updated: Thursday, Jan. 15
Which Texas Tech Players Are Entering the Transfer Portal?
Amier Washington: Washington played 330+ total snaps in 2024 but found himself outside the Red Raiders' rotation on the defensive line in 2025 with multiple transfer portal additions leading the way. He appeared in 11 games this season but played just 92 total snaps.
Washington was a three-star edge rusher out of Orange, Texas, though he held just two offers after committing to the Red Raiders very early in his recruitment process. He was a member of the Class of 2023 and redshirted his first season, giving him two years of remaining eligibility. He entered the transfer portal on Jan. 7, according to multiple reports.
Committed to UCLA
Braylon Rigsby: After three seasons with Texas Tech, including a redshirt, edge rusher Rigsby is entering the portal with two years of remaining eligibility. He announced it on X on Jan. 2 as the transfer window opened.
Rigsby appeared in all 13 games in 2025 and recorded six tackles (four solo) and two quarterback hits. He also appeared in 12 of 13 games in 2024 as a redshirt freshman and started one game, against North Texas. Listed at 6'2, 275 pounds, Rigsby was a defensive tackle prospect who moved to the outside linebacker position.
Committed to Oklahoma State
Chapman Lewis: As a former three-star recruit, Lewis should get plenty of attention as a safety prospect after entering the transfer portal on Jan. 6, according to multiple reports. He was a member of the Class of 2023, coming out of Centennial High School in Burleson, Texas.
Lewis made just two appearances on defense in 2025 but played in six as a member of the special teams unit. However, he started 11 games in 2024 as a sophomore, playing free safety on 57.4% of his snaps (348 of 606). He brings starting experience with at least one year of remaining eligibility (with the possibility of a redshirt).
Cheta Ofili: With three years of remaining eligibility, Ofili is entering the transfer portal after playing 10 games for Texas Tech in 2025, according to multiple reports. He is listed as 6'4", 240 pounds and was a high-profile recruit coming out of Sachse High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Ofili was a four-star prospect and a top-40 player in Texas, according to 247Sports. He received plenty of Power Four interest coming out of high school.
Committed to TCU
Deante Lindsay: Freshman cornerback Deante Lindsay announced on X on Jan. 2 that he will enter the transfer portal after just one season. He attended Ada High School in Oklahoma and served as a positionally versatile player on offense and defense.
Lindsay chose Texas Tech over schools like Boston College, Tulsa, UNLV, and Utah as a three-star recruit. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and was the Oklahoma 4A 300-meter hurdles silver medalist as a junior.
Committed to Abilene Christian
Dylan Spencer: A former four-star recruit, Spencer has spent three seasons with Texas Tech as an edge rusher. However, his road has not been simple, as a standout freshman season was derailed when he suffered a season-ending injury going into his sophomore year.
After a medical redshirt, Spencer was phased out behind high-profile transfers on Tech's dominant defensive line and only played in three games, preserving another potential redshirt season. He is expected to have three years of eligibility upon entering the portal, according to his agent, as reported by several sources on Dec. 19.
Committed to UTSA
Eddy Smith: Smith is entering the transfer portal after two seasons in Lubbock, including a redshirt season in 2024. He announced he would be entering the transfer portal on his Instagram account on Jan. 2.
Coming from the Houston area, Smith attended Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas, where he was a two-time District 23-6A First Team member and a three-star recruit. Smith played one game in 2024 and four in 2025, playing 16 defensive snaps. He was recruited by several top programs before signing with Texas Tech.
Committed to UTSA
Justin Horne: Primarily serving as a special teams member, Horne played 179 total snaps in 2024 but played on just nine in 2025, all coming in Week 6. He is entering the transfer portal with "2-3 years of eligibility," as he announced on X on Dec. 24.
Horne was a three-star recruit out of Louisiana and redshirted in his freshman season in 2023. He is a former track star, including winning the Louisiana 5A 110-meter hurdles title (14.06 seconds) as a junior in high school and a third-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles (38.25 seconds).
Kasen Long: A member of the Red Raiders' 2024 recruiting class, Long announced his entry into the transfer portal on X on Jan. 7 after two seasons. He redshirted his first season and played 10 snaps in 2025.
The 6'5", 270-pound edge rusher from Shallowater, Texas, was a three-star recruit. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and was also a talented offensive lineman before committing to the defensive side for the Red Raiders.
Kelby Valsin: After three seasons with the Red Raiders, Valsin announced on social media on Dec. 26 that he intended to enter the transfer portal this offseason. The Arlington, Texas, product appeared in a career-high 12 games in 2025, along with career-high marks of 65 offensive snaps and 66 special teams snaps.
The redshirt sophomore caught three passes for 35 yards this season, doubling his career numbers (six catches for 56 yards). He also returned one punt for 21 yards and contributed to one of the top special teams units in the country. The Red Raiders ran a concentrated receiver rotation, but Valsin finished fifth on the team in passing-down snaps among wide receivers. He is expected to have at least two years of remaining eligibility.
Committed to FAU
Macho Stevenson: During his redshirt sophomore season, Stevenson primarily played on special teams despite playing 310 snaps in 2024, primarily at outside corner. Last season, he appeared in 12 of 13 games, starting three, including the bowl game; however, he struggled in coverage at times, leading to three defensive snaps in 13 appearances in 2025.
The cornerback is expected to have two years of remaining eligibility after announcing on X on Jan. 2 that he intended to enter the transfer portal. He is a former high school track star, winning the Louisiana 5A indoor and outdoor 400-meter dash titles.
Committed to Tulane
Maurion Horn: A starter for all 13 games in 2024 and Week 1 of 2025, Horn has experience on the field and has played over 1,000 snaps in his Texas Tech career. He announced he was entering the transfer portal via X on Jan. 2, the day after the Red Raiders lost in the Orange Bowl and the day the transfer window officially opened.
Horn spent four seasons with Texas Tech where he primarily lined up as an outside cornerback. He was a former four-star recruit and has one year of eligibility remaining. However, he played just 108 defensive snaps in 2025 after playing 806 in 2024. The Oklahoma product was hevaily recruited by in-state programs coming out of high school.
Committed to Oklahoma State
Mitch Griffis: The former Wake Forest starter came back from an early retirement to serve as Texas Tech's QB3. He threw a pass in five games and had three total touchdowns. He went 13-for-17 with 145 yards against UCF and 9-for-13 with a passing and rushing score and 172 passing yards against Oklahoma State.
Griffis announced his entry into the transfer portal on X on Jan. 2, thanking the staff for assisting him in his return to football. He will have one year of remaining eligibility as he searches for his third team and sixth season. He has started 10 career games, making him a potential veteran QB2.
Committed to East Carolina
Preztynn Harrison: The Red Raiders are set to lose a true freshman in Harrison, who was a three-star commit as a wide receiver-tight end hybrid. He has a 6'5" frame and an athletic background, with proven success on the hardwood (Texas District 6-4A first-team selection as a junior in 2024) and in the field (4A high jump finals as a junior).
The freshman did not play a single minute in 2025 and was listed as a wide receiver, likely due to his wiry build, listed at 210 pounds. Coming out of Mineral Wells, Texas, Harrison did not receive much attention at the Division I level. However, he received offers from local programs, such as UTEP, North Texas, and Texas State. He announced his decision on X on Dec. 26 and is expected to have four years of remaining eligibility after his redshirt season.
Price Morgan: The former Central Missouri wide receiver joined Texas Tech in 2024, serving as a member of the Red Raiders' scout team while he took a redshirt season. He spent two seasons with the Mules, including catching a pass in all 13 games as a sophomore, and has spent the last two with Texas Tech.
Morgan was an honorable mention all-conference member in 2023 after recording 50 catches for 487 yards and six touchdowns. However, he appeared in just three games this season, playing 16 snaps on offense and one on special teams. He announced his intention to transfer via X on Dec. 19; he is expected to have at least one year of remaining eligibility.
Committed to Incarnate Word
Roy Alexander: When he joined Texas Tech ahead of the 2025 season, Alexander only had one season of remaining eligibility after spending three seasons with Albany and one with Incarnate Word. However, he entered the transfer portal, according to Pete Nakos of On3. This could imply he was granted or is pursuing a medical redshirt after playing just three games for the Red Raiders.
Alexander was an FCS All-American in 2024 with the Cardinals after a standout season. He recorded 100 receptions (second), 7.1 receptions per game (fifth), 13 receiving touchdowns (t-fifth), and 1,108 receiving yards (10th).
Tanner Allen: After four seasons with Texas Tech, the redshirt junior defensive lineman from Bryan, Texas, is taking the next step in his college career, announcing his intention to transfer via X on Dec. 22. Allen played in two games in 2025 and has played 25 snaps for the Red Raiders.
Allen comes from a Texas Tech family and is a second-generation Red Raider graduate. After redshirting as a freshman in 2022, he showed his versatility in 2023 by converting to the offensive line as a member of the scout team. He returned to the defensive line in 2024 and made his collegiate debut against West Virginia. He is expected to have one year of remaining eligibility as a graduate transfer.
T.J. West: The Red Raiders ran a tight wide receiver rotation in 2025, which did not leave room for several pass-catchers to find the field. West only played 43 snaps on offense, playing inside and outside for Texas Tech. He announced on X on Jan. 1 that he intended to enter the transfer portal. He will have two years of remaining eligibility.
West caught three passes for 24 yards in 2025 and was a three-star recruit out of Humble, Texas. He committed to Texas Tech early in his recruiting process and held offers from programs like Utah, Memphis, and UTSA.
Committed to UTSA
Trey Jackson: Coming out of South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Jackson was a three-star prospect at tight end and chose Texas Tech over several other Lone Star State programs. He was an All-District 6-5A First Team player as a junior and senior and redshirted his first season with Texas Tech in 2024.
However, Jackson saw limited time on the field in 2025, playing just 56 offensive snaps while contributing on special teams. He announced his move on his Instagram story on Jan. 2, and he will have three years of eligibility.
Committed to SMU
Tyson Turner: After appearing in five games in 2024, Turner played a career-high 43 offensive snaps in 2025 while contributing on special teams. On offense, he primarily played on run-blocking snaps lined up on the outside, playing 30 snaps on run plays.
Turner attended Bryan High School in Bryan, Texas, and was a three-star recruit after switching from safety to wide receiver in high school. He was a successful track and field athlete as well as a first-team All-District 12-6A honoree before suffering an injury in his senior season. Turner announced his entry into the transfer portal via X on Jan. 2; he will have three years of remaining eligibility.
Committed to Houston
Upton Bellenfant: The redshirt junior from Murfreesboro, Tenn., joined Texas Tech ahead of the 2025 season after spending one year with Buffalo and two with Alabama as a walk-on, including a redshirt season.
Bellenfant joined the Red Raiders before the season with high expectations. He was named to the Lou Groza Award Watch List. However, the former All-MAC Third Team kicker lost the position battle to Stone Harrington, who was named to the all-conference team at the end of the season. Bellenfant announced his intention to transfer via X on Dec. 11, and he will have one year of remaining eligibility.
Committed to South Carolina
Which Players Are Visiting Texas Tech?
David Onuoha: UMass edge rusher Onuoha had a strong season in 2025 with the Minutemen, recording 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Onuoha is entering his redshirt senior season after spending three years with Rutgers, making his collegiate debut in 2024. He will also visit Colorado.
Which Players Did Texas Tech Add in the Transfer Portal?
Adam Trick: Considered one of the top defensive linemen options out of the Group of Five, Trick is a highly productive edge rusher who recorded 8.5 sacks for Miami (OH) in 2025. He was scheduled to visit several high-profile programs, including Texas Tech, Florida, Wisconsin, and Tennessee, according to Rivals' Hayes Fawcett.
He committed to the Red Raiders on Jan. 6 as Texas Tech continues to emphasize the front seven. The 6'4", 249-pound edge rusher could be an instant-impact player in Lubbock, as the program shows it wants to win the battle in the trenches.
Amarie Fleming: Coming from a Division II program, Allen University, the junior pass rusher will have a lot to prove as he leaps to the next level. However, he excelled for the Yellow Jackets, recording 14.5 sacks this season, second among DII players, and 18 tackles for loss, tied for fifth.
Fleming will join the Red Raiders with two years of remaining eligibility and a potential redshirt as Tech looks to replenish its defensive front. The first-team All-SIAC defensive lineman may not make an immediate impact next season, but the coaching staff has proven its ability to get the most out of its talent. He announced his commitment via X on Nov. 20.
Austin Romaine: As a two-time All-Big 12 linebacker, Romaine was an experienced and proven option for teams looking to upgrade in the middle of their defense, which made him an obvious fit for Texas Tech. He is also familiar with the conference, spending three seasons with the Wildcats. He made his commitment official on Jan. 4 with a post on X.
Romaine excels as a run defender; he recorded a near-elite 89.8 PFF run-defense grade in 2024. The inside linebacker was a three-star recruit from Hillsboro, Mo., and visited with the Red Raiders on Jan. 2. He brings green-dot experience, and he will team up with Ben Roberts and John Curry to form one of the best linebacker trios in the conference.
Thank you, K-State. Excited for my next chapter!! pic.twitter.com/hKa8Es4aMB
— Austin Romaine (@AustinRomaine2) January 4, 2026
Brendan Sorsby: The Cincinnati Bearcats' star quarterback entered the transfer portal after a strong 7-5 season and a critical season of player development. Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions while adding 580 yards and nine scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability and throwing power make him a top option in the transfer portal.
He committed to the Red Raiders on Jan. 4, shortly after meeting with both Texas Tech and LSU. Sorsby's addition is the highest profile addition of the offseason and exemplifies the program's commitment to contending in both the short term and long term, rebuilding the team's identity to contend for another conference title and College Football Playoff appearance.
Bryce Butler: Butler visited Lubbock on Jan. 4 after a 14-pressure, 2.5-TFL, 2.0-sack season. He was part of the Washington Huskies' defensive rotation, primarily lining up as an interior defender. Butler started one game in 2025 and redshirted his 2024 season.
He started his career with Garden City Community College, where he was a two-time second-team All-KJCCC honoree. He committed to Texas Tech on Jan. 5 and is expected to be a presence in the interior of Tech's defense as a redshirt senior.
All praise due to the most high! Locked in!#WreckEm pic.twitter.com/SVV9QmHfhu
— Bryce Butler 🇨🇦🇺🇸 (@whoisbreezo) January 5, 2026
Corey Platt Jr.: An injury before the season started derailed Platt's 2024 season with Houston, but he returned in 2025 and put up 40 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and three sacks as a linebacker. The first three seasons of Platt's career were spent with Tulane.
Platt has experience, having played four seasons over five years. He should play a role in the middle of Texas Tech's defense, slotting in with Romaine, Roberts, and Curry. He also should have familiarity with defensive coordinator Shiel Wood, as they crossed paths during the 2024 season despite Platt being sidelined.
Davin Martin: With two years of remaining eligibility, Martin fits perfectly into the Red Raiders' timeline. Brice Pollock is set to return for 2026, and Tech is searching for its answer at CB2. Dontae Balfour exhausted his eligibility at the end of the 2025 season, and Martin could compete with Amier Boyd for full-time reps.
Martin had 40 tackles and one interception with the UTSA Roadrunners and is still developing his consistency as a coverage corner. However, he has size (6'2") and only conceded an NFL passer rating of 58.8 when targeted last season.
Donte Lee Jr.: Between Caleb Douglas and Reggie Virgil, the Red Raiders' type on the outside is big-play generators with size. Lee fits this mold, with a 6'3" frame and an 18.4 yards-per-reception average in 2025 with the Liberty Flames.
Lee was 16th in PFF receiving grade among Group of Five wide receivers (82.3) and played 81.7% of his snaps on the perimeter. He also had zero drops in 2025, though he had limited production after the catch. He will be a redshirt senior in 2026, spending two seasons at Shaw University and two with Liberty.
Donte Lee Jr. is officially a Red Raider.#WreckEm pic.twitter.com/wt6s3Nk20y
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) January 6, 2026
Jacob Hand: With Bellenfant's departure, the Red Raiders added some competition at kicker. Despite being an All-Big 12 First Team kicker, as voted by both fans and coaches, Harrington had some struggles, making this an opportunity for Hand.
With Stephen F. Austin, Hand only attempted three field goals, making two from 50+. He is entering his redshirt junior season and has experience as a kickoff specialist, in addition to being a field goal kicker.
Jalen Jones: The Red Raiders landed a commitment from the HBCU All-American who starred for Alabama State, adding vertical speed and yards-after-the-catch ability from a pass-catcher who primarily lined up in the slot in 2025. Jones recorded 1,167 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on just 51 receptions with the Hornets this past season — 22.88 yards per catch.
Jones was tied for the sixth-highest-graded wide receiver in the FCS in 2025 with an 89.6 PFF receiving grade. While he had five drops and just one contested catch, he does damage with the ball in his hands. Jones was one of just 13 FCS wideouts to record 16+ missed tackles forced and led the FCS in YAC (716 yards). The 5'9" wideout will be a redshirt junior in 2026.
AG2G🙏🏾🙏🏾 let’s work red raider nation 🔥 https://t.co/Ni4mRzxaWj
— Jalen Jones (@thejalenjones) January 4, 2026
Jett Carpenter: The All-Mountain West Honorable Mention tight end visited with the Red Raiders on Monday, Jan. 5, a source tells Texas Tech Red Raiders on SI. He had a career year with 35 receptions for 374 yards and two touchdowns in 2025 with Nevada.
Carpenter committed to Texas Tech on Jan. 9, adding another mustache to the team for 2026, this time on offense. He spent his first five seasons with Eastern Washington, making his collegiate debut in 2022. During his career with the Eagles, he caught 13 passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
Jojo Johnson: Johnson was a three-star commit in the Class of 2023 and played 19 games for the Oregon State Beavers in his first two seasons. He has career numbers of 7.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks and recorded an interception in 2025.
He committed to Texas Tech on Jan. 6 and is entering his redshirt junior season. Johnson has limited experience — 336 career defensive snaps and zero career starts — but has the frame to become a rotational player on the interior of Tech's defensive line.
Julien Laventure: As a redshirt junior, Laventure was named second-team All-MAC as an interior defender, leading the Akron Zips in tackles for loss (10.5) and tied for first in sacks (4.0). Laventure spent his first three seasons with the California Vulcans at PennWest California. He visited Texas Tech on Jan. 3 and made his commitment official the next day, according to multiple reports.
Laventure's 2025 PFF grades showcased his promise as a defender, with grades of 76.8 on defense, 77.9 as a pass rusher, and 70.2 as a run defender. However, he was credited with 10 missed tackles, which is a necessary area for improvement when joining one of the best tackling teams in the country last season.
Kirk Francis: The Red Raiders aim to add depth at quarterback, bringing in Francis for a visit and eventually signing him in the transfer portal. The former walk-on was a redshirt sophomore in 2025 with Tulsa, his third season with the program. He has 3,045 career passing yards and 18 touchdowns with 13 interceptions in 18 appearances.
Francis started two games in 2023, seven in 2024, and three in 2025, providing playing experience. He will fill the role that Mitch Griffis played as an experienced backup. However, redshirt sophomore Will Hammond should be the expected QB2. Francis could be competing with returning quarterback Lloyd Jones III as the third-string option.
Kenny Johnson: With Pitt in 2025, Johnson recorded 695 yards and five touchdowns, career-best marks. He has career numbers with the Panthers of 109 receptions for 1,034 yards and nine scores. He also has experience as both a kick returner and punt returner, returning an ACC-high 22 kicks in 2024.
He visited the Red Raiders on Jan. 6 and officially committed on Jan. 7. He has solid size at 6'1" but has shown the ability to play bigger. In 2024, he hauled in 11 of his 14 contested catches, though he caught just four of 11 in 2025. Johnson primarily lines up as an outside receiver with some ability to move into the slot. He is entering his senior season and will have one more year of eligibility.
Malcolm Simmons: Simmons came on strong at the end of the season for Auburn, catching eight passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers' final two games. He also has experience as a punt and kick returner, taking a punt back for a touchdown in 2024 as a freshman.
The former four-star recruit from Alabama is still developing, but with consecutive seasons of 500+ scrimmage yards, he has an immediate role and has shown some flashes. He has track speed and could continue to capitalize on his hot streak with the Red Raiders.
#WreckEm https://t.co/OIzu1DD1zr
— Mateen Ibirogba (@MateenIbi17) January 6, 2026
Mateen Ibirogba: Ibirogba was a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal; he visited teams like Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Texas Tech. However, the Red Raiders beat out the Fighting Irish, who were expected to be a top contender for his talent. Ibirogba made his commitment to Texas Tech on Jan. 6, according to multiple sources.
He began his career at Georgetown and played two seasons at Wake Forest. He recorded 2.0 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. He has inside-outside versatility on the line of scrimmage with a 6'3", 296-pound frame.
Trey White: One defensive player the Red Raiders showed heavy interest in is White, who was a productive edge rusher for the San Diego State Aztecs across his four seasons. In 2024, he recorded career-best and conference-leading marks of 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. He had 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2025.
Shortly after visiting the Red Raiders, he committed to Texas Tech on Jan. 5, and he should be an early contributor with proven production. White was a high-profile addition for Texas Tech as they rebuild the defensive front.
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-43389ae7766a84cbb8a6c33939d17968.jpeg "Jordan Epp")
Jordan Epp is a journalist who graduated from Texas A&M in 2022 and is passionate about telling stories, sharing news, and finding ways to entertain people through the medium of sports. He has formerly worked as a writer and editor at The Battalion and The Eagle, covering football in College Station, Texas, and served as the managing editor for PFSN.
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