Texas Tech’s Transfer Portal Splash: Can the Red Raiders’ 13 Blue-Chip Additions Make Them Big 12 Favorites?

By Jason Bolton June 10, 2025 09:13

Texas Tech has made waves in the 2025 college football offseason, assembling one of the nation’s most impressive transfer classes. With 21 incoming transfers overall 13 of whom are blue-chip recruits the Red Raiders are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the Big 12 and beyond. This aggressive roster overhaul under head coach Joey McGuire has sparked buzz about Texas Tech’s potential to challenge for a conference championship and even a College Football Playoff berth.

A Transfer Class Like No Other

According to 247Sports, Texas Tech’s 2025 transfer class ranks second nationally, featuring 12 four-star and six three-star prospects. These additions address key needs on both sides of the ball, blending experience and high-level talent. Notable transfers include edge rusher David Bailey from Syracuse, offensive tackle Howard Sampson from North Carolina, and running back Quinten Joyner from USC. Bailey, a senior defensive back, recorded 49 tackles and two interceptions last season, while Sampson brings three years of starting experience at left tackle. Joyner, a Texas native, rushed for 478 yards and three touchdowns at USC in 2024, providing a dynamic option in the backfield.

Head coach Joey McGuire expressed enthusiasm about the class, stating, “We’re excited to get this entire group to campus. This group believes it has much to prove, and I’m looking forward to gelling this group together to form the 2025 version of Texas Tech football.”

Turning NIL Power into On-Field Success

Texas Tech’s success in the transfer portal is closely tied to its growing prowess in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) marketplace. The program has leveraged NIL opportunities to attract top-tier transfers who see Lubbock as a place to develop their careers both athletically and financially. Sports Illustrated highlights how Texas Tech’s NIL power and transfer portal wins have fueled College Football Playoff buzz around the program.

This strategic approach has helped Texas Tech build depth and talent quickly, a critical factor given the competitive nature of the Big 12. The Red Raiders’ roster now boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, creating a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.

Big 12 Contenders?

The question remains: can these 13 blue-chip transfers push Texas Tech to the top of the Big 12? The conference landscape is shifting, with traditional powerhouses like Oklahoma and Texas rebuilding, and programs like Kansas State and Baylor also vying for supremacy.

Analysts like 247Sports’ Josh Pate have visited Lubbock and come away impressed, noting, “There’s a growing sense that it’s championship-or-bust for the Red Raiders in 2025. The pieces are there, the schedule is favorable, and the expectations are high.”

Texas Tech’s schedule includes key matchups against Big 12 rivals, and with the infusion of talent, the Red Raiders are expected to be more competitive than ever. The combination of a strong transfer class and returning contributors positions Texas Tech as a legitimate threat to win the conference.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, integrating a large transfer class poses challenges. Chemistry, scheme fit, and depth chart battles will test the coaching staff. Additionally, managing roster limits and eligibility will require careful navigation.

However, Texas Tech’s proactive approach, including early arrivals and spring practices, aims to accelerate cohesion. McGuire’s confidence in his staff and players suggests the program is ready to capitalize on this unique opportunity.

Texas Tech’s 2025 transfer portal splash, featuring 13 blue-chip additions, has transformed the Red Raiders into one of the Big 12’s most intriguing teams. With a blend of talent, experience, and NIL leverage, Texas Tech is not just rebuilding it’s building for a breakthrough season. As McGuire said, “Now, the work begins,” but the foundation for a championship run is undeniably in place.