Texas Tech's lucrative transfer portal class takes hit with significant injury

In December 2024, Joyner entered the transfer portal and joined Texas Tech by the end of the month.

He's a member of a ballyhooed Red Raiders transfer portal class, which reportedly cost the program over $25 million, well more than the $20M Ohio State spent on its 2024 national championship team.

Possibly losing Joyner for the season would be a major blow to Texas Tech's clear intent of being a Big 12 championship contender and College Football Playoff participant.

The conference is wide open. Per ESPN Bet, three teams (Arizona State, Kansas State, Texas Tech) have the same odds (+550) to win the Big 12. Utah (+600), Baylor (+700) and TCU (+900) aren't far behind.

According to On3, the Red Raiders had the top transfer portal class this offseason, gaining 13 four-star recruits. Joyner ranked No. 193 nationally and No. 13 among running backs in the 2025 transfer class.

With his injury, Texas Tech will have to rely on sophomores J'Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey in the run game. The two combined for 82 carries, 461 rushing yards and three touchdowns (while adding 19 receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns) a season ago while backing up Tahj Brooks, a sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Fifth-year senior starting quarterback Behren Morton will need to shoulder a heavier load, too. Last season, he completed 63.3 percent of his pass attempts for 3,335 yards (7.2 yards per attempt), 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Joyner's injury sets an ominous tone for Texas Tech, but it can still avoid  buyer's remorse. The program's most substantial investments came on defense, particularly along the defensive front.

The projected starting front four (defensive ends David Bailey and Romello Height, defensive tackles Lee Hunter, Skyler Gill-Howard) are all transfers. Last season, the Red Raiders, who finished 8-5, were 92nd in sacks (21) and 79th against the rush (152.1 yards allowed per game).

If the line lives up to its potential, Texas Tech's defense, which ranked No. 122 in scoring last season (34.8 points per game allowed), should be much improved.

For as much as the program shelled out for its 2025 roster, a CFP berth should be the bare minimum. Joyner's knee gets them further from that goal, but Texas Tech still has a roster capable of winning the program's first Big 12 title. It will just need everyone else to live up to their price tag.