Texas Tech Depth Chart 2025: Full Roster Breakdown & Key Players
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are gearing up for the 2025 college football season with a roster that blends seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. As head coach Joey McGuire enters his third year at the helm, the depth chart reflects strategic decisions aimed at elevating the team’s performance in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
Offensive Depth Chart
Quarterback (QB):
- Starter: Behren Morton
- Backup: Will Hammond
Behren Morton returns as the starting quarterback, bringing experience and leadership to the offense. Behind him, freshman Will Hammond has shown potential during spring practices and is expected to be a reliable backup.
Running Back (RB):
- Starter: Tahj Brooks
- Backup: Cameron Dickey
- Third String: J’Koby Williams
Tahj Brooks leads the backfield with his powerful running style and consistency. Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams provide depth, each bringing unique skills that can diversify the running game.
Wide Receiver (WR):
- X Receiver: Coy Eakin
- Z Receiver: Josh Kelly
- Slot Receiver (H): Drae McCray
- Y Receiver: Caleb Douglas
The wide receiver corps is a mix of speed and agility. Coy Eakin and Josh Kelly are expected to stretch the field, while Drae McCray and Caleb Douglas excel in short to intermediate routes, offering versatility in the passing attack.
Offensive Line (OL):
- Left Tackle (LT): Dalton Merryman
- Left Guard (LG): Sterling Porcher
- Center (C): Sheridan Wilson
- Right Guard (RG): Davion Carter
- Right Tackle (RT): Caleb Rogers
The offensive line features a blend of experience and youth. Caleb Rogers anchors the line at right tackle, with Sheridan Wilson providing stability at center. The development of underclassmen like Sterling Porcher will be crucial for maintaining a robust offensive front.
Tight End (TE):
- Starter: Mason Tharp
- Backup: Jalin Conyers
Mason Tharp’s dual-threat capability as a blocker and receiver adds a valuable dimension to the offense. Jalin Conyers, known for his athleticism, is poised to make significant contributions in two-tight-end sets.
Defensive Depth Chart
Defensive Line (DL):
- Left Defensive End (LDE): Myles Cole
- Nose Tackle (NT): Quincy Ledet Jr.
- Right Defensive End (RDE): Isaac Smith
The defensive line is anchored by Quincy Ledet Jr. at nose tackle, whose ability to disrupt the interior is pivotal. Flanking him are Myles Cole and Isaac Smith, both expected to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Linebackers (LB):
- Weakside Linebacker (WLB): Jacob Rodriguez
- Middle Linebacker (MLB): Jesiah Pierre
- Strongside Linebacker (SLB): Harvey Dyson III
The linebacker unit boasts athleticism and versatility. Jacob Rodriguez’s speed allows for effective coverage, while Jesiah Pierre’s tackling prowess is essential against the run. Harvey Dyson III brings a hybrid skill set, contributing both in pass rush and coverage scenarios.
Defensive Backs (DB):
- Cornerbacks (CB): Malik Dunlap and Rayshad Williams
- Safeties: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Strong Safety) and Tyler Owens (Free Safety)
The secondary is fortified by experienced corners Malik Dunlap and Rayshad Williams, both known for their ball-hawking abilities. At safety, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson and Tyler Owens provide a balance of physicality and coverage skills, crucial for defending against the pass-heavy offenses in the Big 12.
Special Teams
- Punter (P): Jack Burgess
- Kicker (PK): Gino Garcia
- Kickoff Specialist (KO): Reese Burkhardt
- Long Snapper (LS): Jackson Knotts
- Holder (H): Behren Morton
- Punt Returner (PR): Coy Eakin
- Kick Returner (KR): Drae McCray
Special teams play a critical role in field position and scoring opportunities. Gino Garcia’s consistency as a placekicker and Jack Burgess’s punting accuracy are assets. Dynamic returners like Drae McCray and Coy Eakin have the potential to change games with explosive plays.
Key Newcomers and Depth Considerations
The 2025 roster includes 27 newcomers, with nine freshmen enrolling early to participate in spring practices. This infusion of talent is expected to bolster depth across multiple positions. Notably, the offensive line and defensive backfield have benefited from these additions, providing valuable competition and injury insurance.
