Texas Tech looks to maintain top defensive performance after personnel turnover
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 6:16 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Following the departure of six players to the NFL draft, No. 12 Texas Tech enters its season opener Saturday against Abilene Christian with expectations of sustaining its high-level defensive output. The Red Raiders ranked third nationally last season, allowing an average of 11.8 points per game. Head coach Joey McGuire stated that improved roster depth, including seven experienced defensive tackles, will bolster the unit. Returning players like cornerback Brice Pollock and linebacker Ben Roberts noted that the team is focused on improving following a 23-0 loss to Oregon in the Orange Bowl last postseason. The defense is further bolstered by several veteran transfers, including edge rushers Adam Trick and Trey White, and linebacker Austin Romaine.
- •Texas Tech lost six defensive players to the NFL draft last April.
- •The team finished last season ranked third nationally in scoring defense.
- •The season opener against Abilene Christian takes place Saturday night in Lubbock.
- •The defense added experienced transfers including Adam Trick, Trey White, and Austin Romaine.
- •Returning starters include defensive tackle A.J. Holmes Jr. and linebacker Ben Roberts.
- 6:16 PMYahoo Sports — No. 12 Texas Tech expects another top defense, even after 6 NFL draft picks from that side
"Texas Tech lost some big defensive dudes after winning its first Big 12 Conference championship and making the College Football Playoff. Edge rusher David Bailey was picked No. 2 overall after an FBS-leading 14 1/2 sacks in his only season with the Red Raiders. Coach Joey McGuire said they could actually be better because of their depth, including seven defensive tackles who have started college games.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAF•Aug 31, 2026, 7:19 PMFlorida football's Jon Sumrall backs SEC stance amid player eligibility controversy
NCAAF•Aug 31, 2026, 6:59 PMKansas State football opens the Collin Klein era this week vs Nicholls- NCAAF•Aug 31, 2026, 6:55 PMTexas A&M football releases Week 1 two-deep depth chart
- NCAAF•Aug 31, 2026, 6:54 PMTennessee football finds special way to honor Dolly Parton this season
NCAAF•Aug 31, 2026, 6:26 PMWhat Does Ohio State Gain From Playing Cupcakes?
NCAAF•Aug 31, 2026, 6:06 PMFickell: Badgers won't shy away from ND's Moore
