The Texas Tech football team will once again try to load up on talent through the transfer portal after the Red Raiders‘ highly successful run through the 2025 college football season.
Last year saw the Red Raiders go hard at top-tier players in the portal, which brought in the likes of David Bailey, Lee Hunter, Terrance Carter Jr. and Brice Pollock. The moves made by head coach Joey McGuire and the NIL funds provided by the Matador Club propelled Texas Tech to the Big 12 Conference championship and its first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
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This year’s transfer portal is down to just one window for players to join new teams or leave their current squads. It opens on Jan. 2 and closes again on Jan. 16. Players have until Jan. 16 to enter the portal and can pick their new teams at any time after submitting their names.
Keep tabs on all of Texas Tech’s transfer portal activity right here. Here’s where things stand through Jan. 7.
*NOTE: Academic years reflect the player’s standing during 2026 football season
Players joining Texas Tech football through the transfer portal
Jett Carpenter, Tight End, 7th Year, 6-foot-3, 258 pounds (Nevada)
Official status: Signed
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Texas Tech announced Carpenter’s signing on Jan. 9. The Medford (Ore.) North Medford graduate spent the 2020 through 2024 seasons at Eastern Washington, then transferred to Nevada for 2025. He caught 35 passes for 374 yards — career highs for Carpenter, team highs for the 3-9 Wolfpack — and 2 touchdowns.
Kenny Johnson, Receiver, Senior, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds (Pittsburgh)
Official status: Signed
Johnson’s commitment was reported by CBS Sports on Jan. 7. He lettered in each of his first three seasons at Pitt, coming into his own the past two years when he caught 46 passes for 537 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2024 and 48 passes for 695 yards and 5 TDs in 2025. He’s a frequently used return man with a punt-return TD and a kickoff-return TD on his resume.
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Adam Trick, Edge Defender, Senior, 6-foot-4, 249 pounds (Miami of Ohio)
Official status: Signed
Trick announced his commitment on Jan. 7. He spent four years at Miami (Ohio), starting with a redshirt season. He earned first-team all-Mid-American Conference recognition in 2025 after being credited with 59 tackles, 12 1/2 tackles for loss, 8 1/2 sacks, 4 batted passes, 3 forced fumbles and an interception.
JoJo Johnson, Defensive Tackle, Junior, 6-foot-2, 288 pounds (Oregon State)
Official status: Signed
Johnson’s commitment and signing were announced on Jan. 6. He comes to Texas Tech after three years at Oregon State, including one redshirt season. Tallied 18 tackles, 6-1/2 tackles for a loss, an interception and 8 quarterback hurries in 2025.
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Mateen Ibirogba, Defensive Tackle, Redshirt Senior, 6-foot-3, 296 pounds (Wake Forest)
Official status: Signed
Ibirogba’s commitment was reported by On3 on Jan. 6. The Clarksburg (Md.) High School graduate spent 2022 and 2023 at Georgetown and 2024 and 2025 at Wake Forest, redshirting during his first season with the Demon Deacons. Credited this season with 21 tackles, 3 1/2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. Ranked as the top defensive tackle in the transfer portal by 247Sports and On3.
Trey White, Edge Defender, Redshirt Senior, 6-foot-2, 255 pounds (San Diego State)
Official status: Signed
White’s commitment was reported by On3 on Jan. 5. Chula Vista (Calif.) Eastlake graduate who spent four years at San Diego State, earning first-team all-Mountain West Conference from coaches each of the past two years. Registered 60 tackles, including 12 1/2 sacks in 2024 and 53 tackles, including 7 sacks in 2025.
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Davin Martin, Cornerback, Redshirt Junior, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds (UTSA)
Official status: Signed
Martin’s commitment was reported by On3 on Jan. 5. A Klein Cain graduate who spent three years at UT-San Antonio. Was credited with 26 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception in 2025, when he played in 11 games with eight starts.
Bryce Butler, Defensive Lineman, Senior, 6-foot-5, 320 pounds (Washington)
Official status: Signed
Butler’s commitment was reported by On3 on Jan. 5. He spent two years at Garden City CC before going to Washington for the last two seasons. Totaled 19 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in 2025.
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Julien Lavenutre, Defensive Tackle, Senior, 6-foot-1, 270 pounds (Akron)
Official status: Signed
Laventure’s commitment was reported by On3 on Jan. 4. He spent one year at Akron, where he was a second-team all-MAC selection with 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss of yardage, and four sacks. Spent three years at Division II PennWest California before.
Brendan Sorsby, Quarterback, Senior, 6-foot-3, 235 pounds (Cincinnati)
Official status: Signed
ESPN reported Sorbsy’s commitment on Jan. 4. The expected move came after Sorbsy met with the Red Raiders and LSU over the weekend. Passed for 2,800 yards and ran for at least 500 yards with 9 TDs each of the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats. Has one year of eligibility left.
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Donte Lee, Receiver, Redshirt Senior, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds (Liberty)
Official status: Signed
Lee’s commitment was reported by On3 on Jan. 4. Spent the last two years at Liberty, totaling 32 catches for 589 yards and 5 TDs in 2025. Began his career at Division II Shaw University, where he spent two years.
Jalen Jones, Receiver, Redshirt Junior, 5-foot-9, 175 pounds (Alabama State)
Jones’s commitment was reported by On3 on Jan. 4. Named an HBCU All-American this past season after catching 51 passes for 1,167 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025. Has two years of eligibility remaining.
Austin Romaine, Linebacker, Senior, 6-foot-2, 245 pounds (Kansas State)
Official status: Signed
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Romaine announced his commitment to Texas Tech on Jan. 4. He’ll have one year of eligibility left plus a redshirt, if necessary. Shared the 2023 Big 12 defensive freshman of the year award along with new teammate Ben Roberts. Has 184 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his career.
Amarie Fleming, Edge Defender, Junior, 6-foot-2, 230 pounds (Allen)
Fleming was credited with 48 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles this season. His sacks total — shown on NCAA statistics as 14 1/2 and by his school as 13 1/2 — was third or tied for third in Division II this season. Because Division II players have an earlier portal window, Fleming committed to Tech on Nov. 20.
Players who announced returns to Texas Tech football
Not every player will make a public announcement about their return. Below are those who have publicly pledged a return to the Red Raiders in 2026.
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Cameron Dickey, RB, Junior; J’Koby Williams, RB, Junior; Quinten Joyner, RB, Junior: Texas Tech indicated its three top running backs are staying for 2026 in a social-media post on Jan. 7, subsequently confirmed by a Tech spokesman. Joyner, originally No. 1 on the depth chart, missed the season with a torn knee ligament. Dickey rushed for 1,124 yards (third in the Big 12) and 14 touchdowns (first in the Big 12). Williams rushed for 868 yards and 6 TDs and had 1,525 all-purpose yards, third in the conference.
Brice Pollock, CB, Senior: Pollock started all 14 games this season and tied for the Big 12 lead with five interceptions. He announced his return on Jan. 5.
Howard Sampson, LT, Senior: Sampson started all 14 games at left tackle for the Red Raiders after transferring last season from North Carolina. Announced his return on Jan. 4.
Terrance Carter Jr., TE, Senior: Carter was fourth on the team in receiving and led the team in receptions and yards in the Orange Bowl. Told reporters after the Oregon game he’d return, then made it official on Jan. 2.
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Lloyd Jones III, QB, Redshirt-Freshman: Jones spent much of the year as the third- or fourth-string quarterback but is expected to be up the depth chart next season as Will Hammond recovers from a knee injury. Posted his “Run It Back” graphic on Dec. 29.
Players leaving Texas Tech football through the transfer portal
Kasen Long, Defensive Lineman, Sophomore, 6-foot-5, 270 pounds
Long announced his plans to transfer on Jan. 7. The Shallowater graduate originally signed as an offensive lineman and was switched to the defensive line in the spring of 2024. He made his first two career appearance this season, his second in the program.
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Amier Washington, Defensive Lineman, Junior, 6-foot-2, 270 pounds
CBS Sports reported Washington’s commitment to UCLA on Jan. 9, citing information from his agency. Washington appeared in 25 games over three seasons, getting credit for 21 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss with 2 1/2 sacks.
Chapman Lewis, Safety, Senior, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
On3 reported Lewis had his name in the portal on Jan. 6. He played in 29 games over three seasons and was a full-time starter in 2024. Though Tech coach Joey McGuire initially planned to redshirt Lewis in 2025 with him coming off knee surgery, Lewis wound up playing in six games.
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Roy Alexander, Receiver, Super Senior, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds
On3 Sports reported Alexander having his name in the transfer portal on Jan. 5. Alexander played in the first three games this season, catching 3 passes for 31 yards, and was listed as out or doubtful on injury reports the rest of the season.
Cheta Ofili, Outside Linebacker, Redshirt Sophomore, 6-foot-4, 240 pounds
Ofili announced his commitment to TCU on Jan. 8. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported Ofili’s entry into the transfer portal on Jan. 4. Appeared in 10 games this season as a backup after appearing in one contest in 2024. Recorded two tackles. He has signed with TCU.
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Trey Jackson, Tight end, Redshirt Sophomore, 6-foot-5, 240 pounds
Trey Jackson was confirmed as a transfer portal entrant on Jan. 3 by a Tech spokesman. He played in two games last season and all 14 this season but recorded no statistics.
Mitch Griffis, Quarterback, Super Senior, 6-foot, 195 pounds
Griffis signed with East Carolina on Jan. 8, according to CBS Sports. He announced on X (formerly Twitter) his entry into the transfer portal on Jan. 2 with one year of eligibility remaining. Came out of football retirement to join Tech in 2025, playing mostly in mop-up duty and for injuries.
Deante Lindsay, Cornerback, Redshirt Freshman, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Deante Lindsay announced on X (formerly Twitter) his entry into the transfer portal on Jan. 2. Did not take the field in his true freshman season. Was a consensus three-star recruit in 2025 class.
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Tyson Turner, Wide Receiver, Sophomore, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds
Tyson Turner announced on X (formerly Twitter) his entry into the transfer portal on Jan. 2. Saw action in 13 games before the Orange Bowl, mostly on special teams. Has three years of eligibility left.
Braylon Rigsby, Outside Linebacker, Junior, 6-foot-2, 275 pounds
Rigsby committed to Oklahoma State on Jan. 8, six days after he announced on X (formerly Twitter) his entry into the transfer portal. Appeared in 13 games prior to the Orange Bowl, including one start in 2025. Also played in 12 of 13 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2024.
Eddy Smith, Outside Linebacker, Redshirt Sophomore, 6-foot-6, 275 pounds
UT-San Antonio announced Smith’s signing on Jan. 9, a week after he announced on Instagram his plan to transfer. Appeared in only four games in two years at Tech, including three this season
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Maurion Horn, Cornerback, Senior, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
Horn announced his commitment to Oklahoma State on Jan. 6. ESPN’s Max Olson reported Maurion Horn’s entry into the transfer portal on Jan. 2. Horn started all 13 games during the 2024 season but lost his starting spot in 2025. Appeared in seven games this year, starting the season opener. He is headed to Oklahoma State.
Macho Stevenson, Cornerback, Junior, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Macho Stevenson committed to Tulane on Jan. 7, according to NOLA.com. announced his intention to transfer on Jan. 2 and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Appeared in 23 games the last two years primarily has a reserve but had three starts at cornerback in 2024.
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T.J. West, Receiver, Junior, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds
T.J. West signed with UT-San Antonio on Jan. 6, five days after announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. He appeared in six games this season, catching three passes for 24 yards. He is going to UTSA.
Preztynn Harrison, Receiver, Freshman, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
Preztynn Harrison announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 26 after not appearing in any games for the Red Raiders in 2025. He’s a former three-star recruit with four years of eligibility remaining.
Kelby Valsin, Receiver, Junior, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds,
Valsin signed on Jan. 5 with Florida Atlantic, which is coached by former Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. He announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 26 with two years of eligibility remaining. The Arlington Bowie HS grad appeared in 12 games in 2024 after redshirting the 2023 season and appeared in all 13 games in 2025, mostly on special teams. Had three catches for 35 yards this season as the No. 2 slot receiver.
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Justin Horne, Linebacker, Junior, 6-foot, 225 pounds
Horne announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 24. Saw a role increase during his redshirt sophomore season of 2024, appearing in 10 games overall before missing the final three games of the season with an injury that prevented him from appearing in any game in 2025.
Tanner Allen, Tight End/Defensive Line, 6-foot-3, 280 pounds
Tanner Allen announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 22. The Bryan native bounced between defensive line and tight end in his Red Raider career, appearing mostly on special teams. Has one year of eligibility left.
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Price Morgan, Wide Receiver, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
Price Morgan announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 19. He redshirted the 2024 season after spending two years at Central Missouri. Morgan appeared in two games this season, catching one pass for 12 yards.
Dylan Spencer, Defensive End, 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, Junior
On3 reported on Dec. 19 that Dylan Spencer will enter the transfer portal, and ESPN reported on Jan. 7 he committed to UT-San Antonio. He played in three games in 2025, registering a pair of tackles. Showed potential as a true freshman in the 2023 season before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first preseason practice ahead of the 2024 season. He has signed with UTSA.
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Upton Bellenfant, Kicker, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Senior
Bellenfant signed with South Carolina on Jan. 8 after announcing his intent to transfer on Dec. 11. Bellenfant joined Texas Tech out of Buffalo last year but lost the starting kicker job to Stone Harrington midway through the year. Bellenfant was 6-for-6 on field goals and 14 of 16 on point-after kicks.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Tracking Texas Tech football’s 2026 transfer portal developments
