Texas Tech Coach Keeps Transfer Portal Approach

Record-Breaking Season for the Red Raiders

Under Joey McGuire’s leadership, Texas Tech has piled up 67 transfer commitments since entering the portal era. The 2025 campaign capped off an undefeated regular season, a Big 12 championship, and a top‑four College Football Playoff seed. The turnaround showcases how a focused recruiting strategy can lift a program quickly.

NFL Draft Success Pushes Momentum

The Red Raiders’ revival isn’t limited to the field. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas Tech produced five prospects, highlighted by David Bailey becoming the program’s first No. 2 pick. The haul reinforces the value of the portal model and adds fuel to the program’s growing reputation.

The Sorsby Transfer Controversy

The portal’s most visible stumble arrived with former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby. He was signed for a multi‑million‑dollar deal as part of a 22‑player class, only to be banned after admitting to gambling on his own team at Indiana. The fallout has sparked debate over the vetting process.

McGuire said he last spoke with Sorsby “two days ago” and emphasized the depth of his family’s ties, noting he has known Sorsby’s father Jamey since 2003. He pointed out that high‑school coaches across Texas recognize the Sorsby name, suggesting the recruitment was more than a quick phone call.

Even with extra background checks and additional phone calls, McGuire downplayed the idea that Texas Tech could have uncovered the gambling habit. He likened the process to “speed dating,” acknowledging the inherent limits of rapid evaluations.

Portal Philosophy Remains Unchanged

Despite the Sorsby episode, McGuire insists the Red Raiders will not overhaul their portal procedures. He cited past successes, including calls to former coaches Mack Brown (for Howard Sampson) and Gus Malzahn (for Lee Hunter) as examples of how the current system yields results. “If you look at our hit rate… we do,” he told reporters at Big 12 media days.

The coach emphasized due diligence, noting that other universities—including Indiana and Cincinnati—missed the same red flags. “You owe it to the university and the people around you to do your due diligence,” he added, while also highlighting the medical clearance steps already in place.

What the Future Holds for Texas Tech

Looking ahead, McGuire expects his team to remain a CFP contender despite the unexpected quarterback change. The program’s blend of portal talent, strong on‑field performance, and rising draft presence suggests continued growth. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how the Red Raiders navigate both the field and the recruiting landscape.