Texas Tech Spring Transfer Portal Update

The second free agency period/Spring transfer portal window is open. Over 1,000 players entered their names into the portal across all levels of college football. Just like many programs, Texas Tech football is seeing some movement as players explore new opportunities. The Red Raiders have been extremely active in the Fall transfer portal window. However, the Texas Tech Spring transfer portal approach is more measured.

Texas Tech Spring Transfer Portal Update

Players Entering the Transfer Portal

As of this publication, 11 Texas Tech players have entered the transfer portal. Some of the most notable include:

1. Isaac Smith (Defensive End): A 6’6″, 260-pound defensive end, Smith has been a key contributor for the Red Raiders. Over his career, he has recorded 42 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. After missing the 2023 season due to a knee injury, Smith returned in 2024 and played in 12 games, starting in six. No doubt, new defensive coordinator Shiel Wood would like to have seen Smith return. Smith’s decision to enter the portal makes him the player who has contributed the most on the field for the team.
2. Nick Fattig (Offensive Guard): A 6’4″, 300-pound offensive guard, Fattig was a highly regarded recruit in 2023. He redshirted his first year and saw limited action in 2024. With the influx of new offensive linemen for new offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich to break in from the fall transfer portal class, Fattig has decided to seek opportunities elsewhere.
3. Anthony White (Safety): The 6’0″, 190-pound safety joined Texas Tech as a preferred walk-on in 2023. White was in the mix for playing time this season, but his departure opens up opportunities for other players in the secondary.

Texas Tech Spring Portal Addition

David Bailey (DE, Stanford)

Why Take Foot Off The Gas?

It’s been clear through the offseason additions and retention of general manager James Blanchard that the Red Raiders are pushing their chips in hoping to cash in on the school’s first-ever Big 12 championship and a spot in the college football playoff. So why haven’t we seen the same aggressiveness in the Spring? Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has emphasized the importance of making strategic roster changes during this transfer window. The team is already above the projected 105-player roster limit for 2025, as part of the House v. NCAA settlement proposal. The proposal still has not been approved, but all signs point to it getting officially passed. With a team already over the projected roster limit, finding pieces to potentially add to a Texas Tech Spring transfer portal class seems unobtainable without major cuts to their current roster.

Spring Ball Wrap Up

The team concludes Spring football on Saturday, April 19th, with their official Spring Game. While the game is open to the public for free, it will not be televised. Assuming the team finishes the Spring game healthy, there likely won’t be any additions to this roster. The Spring transfer portal window is always a time of change and opportunity in college football. But for Texas Tech, it likely will be seen more as the players leaving, knowing they could possibly get cut with roster limitations. As the Red Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, fans are starting to wonder just how high this team can climb. Stay tuned for more updates as the transfer portal window progresses.