Texas Tech returns three proven offensive line starters, adds portal muscle and has the depth to drive another explosive offense and a serious Big 12 title run.
Texas Tech football has enough offensive firepower to make every defensive coordinator in the Big 12 nervous. None of it matters, however, unless the Red Raiders’ offensive line controls the fight up front.
That may be the best news surrounding Joey McGuire’s 2026 team.
Texas Tech returns three starters from the line that protected one of the highest-scoring offenses in program history.
The Red Raiders also used the transfer portal to address their openings at guard, giving the unit a combination of experience, size and depth that few conference opponents can match.
It starts with two enormous tackles.
Howard Sampson returns on the left side after earning third-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2025.
The 6-8, 330-pound North Carolina transfer allowed four sacks and 14 pressures across 479 pass-blocking snaps, earning the highest overall Pro Football Focus grade among Tech’s starting linemen.
The next step is cleaning up the flags. Sampson was penalized 13 times last season, a number that could become costly in close conference games.
Right tackle Jacob Ponton gives Texas Tech another 6-foot-8 cornerstone.
The 315-pound blocker played 942 offensive snaps and received freshman All-America recognition from the Football Writers Association of America and The Athletic.
Ponton earned Tech’s best run-blocking grade, although he surrendered six sacks and 23 pressures.
Greater consistency in pass protection could push him from promising young starter to one of the Big 12’s premier tackles.
Sheridan Wilson holds everything together at center. The veteran started every game over the past two seasons and enters 2026 with 27 career starts.
His 90.9 pass-blocking grade led the Red Raiders last year, and his experience making protection calls will be critical for an offense working through changes at quarterback.
Wilson has already been named one of Texas Tech’s captains.
The biggest questions sit at guard. Louisville transfer Jordan Church appears ready to claim one job, while D’Anthis Upshaw Jr. is positioned to take the other.
Hunter Zambrano offers experienced insurance after injuries limited him to three appearances last season. The former Illinois State standout has played 30 college games with 26 starts and can line up at either guard or tackle.
Texas Tech’s future is just as intriguing. Freshman tackle Felix Ojo arrives as one of the country’s most highly regarded offensive line recruits and could eventually replace Sampson. Daniel Sill provides additional tackle depth, while Cash Cleveland backs up Wilson at center.
The Red Raiders have stars who’ll receive the headlines, touches and touchdowns. Their championship hopes may still be decided by the massive, mostly anonymous group creating the space.
Texas Tech’s offensive line isn’t merely good enough to survive the Big 12. It could be the reason the Red Raiders win it.
