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Texas Tech Star David Bailey Listed As Top Edge Rusher In 2026 Draft

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Brian McQuillen | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 1:13 PM ET

PPF College ranked its top 10 edge rushers who will be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, with Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey making the list.

Bailey, who ranked 10th, joined the Red Raiders this spring after spending his first three seasons with Stanford.

The 6-foot-3 edge rusher was selected to the 2025 All-Big 12 Preseason team. With one season remaining of collegiate eligibility, Bailey was one of the top players in the transfer portal and became a huge addition to the Texas Tech defense.

Top 10 Edge Rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft♨️ pic.twitter.com/oNnWpSks93
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 10, 2025

The Red Raiders had one of the worst defenses in the Big 12 last season, ranking 15th in the conference. TTU allowed 34.8 points per game, but still managed to string together an 8-5 finish.

With Stanford, he tallied 22 solo tackles, seven sacks, and five forced fumbles, which ranked fourth in FBS. In his career, the Irvine, California native finished with 111 total tackles.

Texas Tech has not finished with over eight wins since the 2009 season, and with the addition of Bailey to a much-improved defense, the program will look to earn its fifth-straight bowl game appearance.

T.J. Parker (Clemson), R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma), Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), Joshua Josephs (Tennessee), LT Overton (Alabama), Derrick Moore (Michigan), Gabe Jacas (Illinois), and Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon) round out the top 10 list.

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

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