The Red Raiders added the No. 2-ranked cornerback in the state as their recruiting dominance over the Big 12 continues into 2027.
LUBBOCK, Texas - One way for Texas Tech to move on from the fallout of the Brendan Sorsby saga?
Continue dominating the rest of the Big 12 recruiting circuit, as head coach Joey McGuire and staff have done over the last couple of cycles.
That trend hit another milestone on Tuesday as 4-star Atascocita cornerback Joshua Banks announced his commitment to the Red Raiders in the 2027 class.
Banks, ranked as the No. 2 player at his position in Texas, reportedly chose Tech over Arkansas, LSU, Texas and Miami.
"It’s honestly a thing of what didn’t they do - they have a good connection with their players, great relationships from the coaches down to the players," Banks said Rivals after two trips to Lubbock this summer, including his official visit last weekend.
"It’s a great environment to be in, and the energy they give you … can’t find that everywhere."
Banks is ranked as the No. 17 cornerback in the country and the No. 17 overall player in the state, according to Rivals. He counts as McGuire's 14th commit in the stacked 2027 class that is headlined by 5-stars Jalen Brewster (DL) and Anthony Sweeney (LB).
Eight of those 14 pledges are defensive players, confirming how McGuire's impressive 2025 defense is leaving an impression on how the Red Raiders are likely to play from this point forward.
For Banks, he said the program is where he can be valued as an individual, in addition to growing as a player.
"What made them feel like it was the right choice was my family and me being able to sit down and talk to the staff, and them treating me like I’m home," he said.
Banks also excelled as a kick returner last season in UIL 6A competition at Atascocita in Humble, Texas. He scored two punt return touchdowns and racked up 576 return yards. Banks recorded one interception and made eight catches on offense as a junior last season.
The Red Raiders' 2027 recruiting class holds a No. 6 national ranking, just behind Texas A&M, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Florida.
Tech is far and away the top-ranked Big 12 team in this cycle, as the next conference foe in the national rankings is Kansas State at No. 30 overall.
