Texas Tech has locked in one of the strongest classes of former players in the NFL after 18 Red Raiders made the cut on 53-man rosters around the league.
LUBBOCK - Following a phenomenal season and record-setting draft class, Texas Tech saw its representation in the NFL get a major boost ahead of the upcoming year.
In the aftermath of the so-called "cut day" across the league, which sees all 32 franchises lock down their official roster with only 53 names, 18 Red Raiders were able to secure their spots with their respective teams.
Of these selections, there were obvious choices like Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes II, who is set to make his return to the field after a season-ending ACL injury a year ago, and 2026 second-overall pick David Bailey with the New York Jets.
However, there were still some surprises for the group of former Red Raiders, especially within the latest draft class from Texas Tech.
All nine of the picks for Texas Tech that set a program record at the NFL Draft made the cut with their squads, which is somewhat unprecedented for any collegiate program.
This list includes seventh-round selection by the New England Patriots, Behren Morton, as he was able to grab the role of third-string quarterback behind Drake Maye and Tommy DeVito.
Being as the quarterback situation seemed solid for the reigning AFC Champions, there were some questions swirling around of if Morton would be able to withstand the numerous moves ahead of the roster being finalized.
Nonetheless, Morton will get to call New England home for at least this year, with a strong showing in the Patriots' preseason matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles potentially being the main reason why.
Another unexpected but pleasant addition to the NFL brotherhood for Texas Tech was Reggie Virgil, who found himself in a similar situation to Morton after being chosen in the fifth round by the Arizona Cardinals.
The franchise in Phoenix seemed to take a liking to the former Red Raider wideout and opted to keep him on as a possible target for new starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
The Miami Dolphins are arguably the best place to be a Red Raider alumni in the NFL, as three former Texas Tech standouts are set to suit up in South Beach.
Two of those will line up right beside each other, with linebacker duo Jordyn Brooks and Jacob Rodriguez being tabbed as probable starters on the Dolphins defense.
Fellow 2026 draftee Caleb Douglas rounds out the trio in Miami and could be catching passes sooner rather than later, according to initial depth charts from the team.
With an already notable presence in the NFL before an avalanche of new talent rolled in through the past NFL Draft, Texas Tech looks to have one of the strongest representations of former players in the professional ranks this season.
