A Surprise Commitment Shakes Up Texas Tech’s Frontcourt

Texas Tech bolstered its 2025 recruiting haul with the commitment of 7‑foot center LaTrell Hoover, who will join the Red Raiders instead of reclassifying to 2025 after his post-grad year. Hoover, who played at Samuel Clemens High in Schertz, Texas, and had planned to spend next season at Link Academy, surprised many by electing to enroll directly at Texas Tech.

Hoover had previously been considering the junior college route before receiving offers from Boise State and South Dakota, options he ultimately passed over in favor of Big 12 competition. The decision reflects the Red Raiders’ growing pull among big men prospects in the region, even after participating in high school showcases amid reclassification speculation.

Standing at 7 feet, Hoover projects as a center with potential rim protection and paint presence. He joins a rotation featuring reigning Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin, VCU transfer Luke Bamgboye, and redshirt freshman Marial Akuentok.

Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland adds depth to a frontcourt he expects to anchor on size and interior defense next season. Hoover’s arrival gives the Raiders flexibility on the glass and an inside option who can alleviate pressure on perimeter scoring by drawing fouls and controlling the paint.

For the Big 12 landscape, the commitment signals how the conference continues to attract above-the-rim prospects and shows Texas Tech’s upward trajectory under McCasland. Especially as the league expands and competition intensifies, adding a true center to develop is a big perk.

Hoover’s path from San Antonio standout to 2025 Class recruit also underscores the appeal of an immediate Power 5 opportunity over the detour of prep schools or junior colleges. That decision will scale directly into game preparation, development, and chemistry that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Expect LaTrell Hoover to redshirt, but his blend of size, athleticism, and developmental projection could make him one of the bigger long-term stories in Lubbock.