Four Red Raiders dominate ESPN's Top 50, showcasing Lubbock's defensive prowess and earning premier playoff billing.
Texas Tech entered the 2025 College Football Playoff with a reputation for defensive toughness, and ESPN just confirmed what Red Raider fans already knew.
Four Tech defenders were named among ESPN's Top 50 players in this year's postseason field, highlighting the staggering star power and production generated in Lubbock this season.
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While the list is stacked with Heisman finalists and blue-chip rosters from Ohio State, Georgia, and others, Texas Tech distinguished itself with more defensive selections than most CFP contenders.
These Red Raiders didn’t just belong on the list ... they earned premier billing.
No. 37 - Romello Height | OLB | Senior
Height began the year overlooked, but he ended it as one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the nation.
The veteran transfer posted nine sacks and an elite 18.4 percent pressure rate, becoming the perfect counterpunch to offenses scheming around Tech's bigger stars.
His consistency jumps off film, recording multiple pressures in 12 of 13 games. On a defensive line full of leaders, Height proved invaluable as the relentless closer.
No. 25 — Lee Hunter | DT | Senior
The 330-pound UCF transfer was a foundational piece of the CFP's most dominant run defense. Hunter's ability to command double-teams opened lanes for pass rushers, while his 8.5 tackles for loss and third-team AP All-America honors show he wasn't just a space-eater.
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Tech's defensive resurgence in 2025 was built from the inside out, and Hunter was the immovable core of that transformation.
No. 4 — David Bailey | OLB | Senior
One of the sport's most feared pass rushers, Bailey obliterated protections all year long. His 13.5 sacks led all Power Four defenders, while a 19.9 percent pressure rate and three forced fumbles speak to his game-breaking ability.
Opposing coordinators spent all season trying - and failing - to neutralize him. Every playoff team needs a closer. In 2025, Bailey was that weapon for Tech.
No. 3 — Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Senior
ESPN didn't mince words. Rodriguez was among the best defensive players in America. His stat line reads like a video game with 117 tackles, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, 11 TFL, and even two rushing touchdowns.
The emotional leader of the program and the engine of its defense, Rodriguez was everywhere at once.
Taken together, Texas Tech's quartet didn't just earn spots on ESPN's list; they helped redefine the program’s national identity.
Texas Tech is sending its stars to the biggest stage with expectations, not hopes, of leaving a mark.