Texas Tech Adds Ex Alabama Kicker in Transfer Portal Commitment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Timothy Hamm | Last updated Dec 22, 2024 8:58 PM ET

To say the Texas Tech Red Raiders have been active in the transfer portal this month would be an understatement.

Coming into the transfer portal window period, the Red Raiders knew they'd be losing some talent. The hope was that they'd replace that lost talent and gain even more. Mission accomplished.

As Tech and coach Joey McGuire prepare to face their former Southwest Conference rival Arkansas Razorbacks in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 27, the roster is undergoing a lot of changes - for the better.

Late Saturday night, they might've added one of the most important pieces to the special teams puzzle, as reported by multiple sources. The Red Raiders gained a commitment from Buffalo Bulls transfer kicker Upton Bellenfant.

Bellenfant was with the Alabama Crimson Tide for two season prior to last year.

After Tech experimented with a kicker rotation for parts of last season that included Gino Garcia and Reese Burkhardt, Bellenfant is expected to be the team's primary kicker next season.

The former Bulls kicker was a perfect 3-for-3 from 20-29 yards, 6-for-6 from 30-39 yards and 5-for-6 from 40-49 yards while missing his only attempt from 50-plus this season.

"Buffalo kicker Upton Bellenfant has committed to Texas Tech, a source tells @On3sports," On3 Pete Nakos reported on X. "The Alabama transfer was an All-MAC selection and was 100% on extra points and 14 of 16 on field goals in 2024. Texas Tech on a portal roll."

Tech now walks into the offseason with one of the most complete rosters in recent memory after hitting the transfer portal harder than ever before. And more players could come this spring.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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