Key Points:
- Texas Tech’s NIL-backed rise has transformed the program into a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
- Four-star quarterback Kavian Bryant, the No. 1 QB in 2027, committed to Texas Tech over major programs.
- With elite recruits like Bryant and Jalen Brewster, Texas Tech currently holds the nation’s top 2027 class.
The sport of college football continues to see the lasting impacts of players being able to profit off of their name, image and likeness (NIL), as new contenders have emerged and recruiting is as unpredictable as ever.
The prime example of this is the evolution of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who have gone from a consistent middle-of-the-pack program to a team with a legitimate chance to contend for a title. Unlike programs such as Texas, Ohio State or Michigan, known as the old-money programs in college football, Texas Tech is a new-money program, thanks to former offensive lineman Cody Campbell. According to CBS Sports, Campbell was part of a $4 billion cash-and-stock sale earlier this year and has since been pouring money into Texas Tech.
The investment quickly paid off as the Red Raiders signed the No. 1 transfer portal class ahead of this season, have two five-star commitments in their 2026 recruiting class and landed the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the country in the 2027 class on Saturday.
Four-star quarterback Kavian Bryant selected the Red Raiders over Texas, Colorado, SMU and Florida State, putting on the hat of every single team on the table before eventually putting on the Texas Tech hat one final time.
According to Rivals’ recruiting rankings, Bryant ranks as the No. 42 recruit in the country, No. 8 player in the state of Texas, and as the No. 1 quarterback in his class. When talking to ESPN about what set Texas Tech apart from the other suitors, Bryant made it clear that they had the best NIL package and the best chance for him to play early.
“They reached out the most,” Bryant said. “They came with the best offer and the best opportunity for me to play. I just feel like it’s the best fit.”
Bryant also revealed in his interview that Texas Tech pushed the hardest in his recruitment, staying in constant touch with the young gunslinger.
Texas Tech proves relationships still matter in the NIL era
“They really, really wanted me,” Bryant said. “They watch my film every day. They show me what I’m good at and what I’m bad at, and I just listen. It’s part of why they’re the best.”
Aside from Bryant being in the class, the Red Raiders also hold a commitment from five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster, who ranks as the No. 1 overall recruit in the country.
The strong start to the 2027 class currently has them ranked No. 1 in college football, and their momentum may only grow stronger as Texas Tech makes a push for the College Football Playoff.