Joey McGuire wasted exactly zero time turning momentum into manpower.
Fresh off a historic season, Texas Tech has opened the transfer portal floodgates with a veteran-heavy, plug-and-play class that screams win-now.
The first wave became official on Tuesday, and it's not subtle. This group isn't about stashing projects; it's about raising the floor, sharpening the edge, and fixing problems that show up on Saturdays.
At the center of it all is quarterback Brendan Sorsby, and yes, he's that guy.
Sorsby arrives as one of the most accomplished dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, bringing over 8,500 yards of total offense and 80 career touchdowns. If you're looking for a quick litmus test, here's one ... since 1956, only 20 quarterbacks in college football history have hit Sorsby's career benchmarks for passing efficiency and rushing production.
The names on that list include Tim Tebow, Robert Griffin III, Johnny Manziel, Marcus Mariota, and Jayden Daniels.
McGuire didn't dance around it either. "With the injury to Will Hammond, we needed a veteran quarterback," he said. "Brendan was our No. 1 choice."
But Tech didn't stop at quarterback.
Up front, the Red Raiders quietly rebuilt the defensive interior, a place where games are actually won in the Big 12. Bryce Butler (Washington) and Julien Laventure (Akron) give Tech two very different, very useful body types.
Butler is the 6-5, 320-pound space-eater who graded as Washington's best run defender per Pro Football Focus. Laventure, meanwhile, brings pure disruption. His 37 pressures last season ranked fifth nationally among interior linemen.
On the edge, Trey White might be the sneakiest big get of the bunch. Over the last two seasons at San Diego State, he racked up 29 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks.
He also fits a familiar mold in Lubbock ... McGuire and C.J. Ah You have turned edge rushers into draft picks before, and White looks like the next candidate.
The back seven got smarter, too. Austin Romaine, a three-time All-Big 12 linebacker from Kansas State, steps into the leadership void left by Jacob Rodriguez. Romaine is trusted. Team captain. Film junkie. The kind of guy who lines everyone up and fixes mistakes before they become touchdowns.
In the secondary, Davin Martin (UTSA) brings length, patience, and a clean stat sheet. He's allowed just one touchdown in two collegiate seasons. And on offense, Donte Lee Jr. adds vertical juice. He averaged 18.4 yards per catch at Liberty, and that kind of explosion plays anywhere, especially in a Big 12 that still loves shootouts.
The common thread? Experience. Leadership. Intent. This is roster construction.
Actionable takeaway for fans? Don't judge this class by star ratings. Judge it by snaps played, games started, pressures created, and fourth-quarter calm. Texas Tech didn't chase flash. It chased answers.
And early returns suggest McGuire found plenty of them.