In a significant recruiting development, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound defensive lineman has officially flipped his college football commitment from the South Carolina Gamecocks to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The flip marks a major win for the Red Raiders and a surprising turn in the recruiting battle between two Power Five programs vying for one of the top defensive prospects in the class.
The decision came after weeks of speculation surrounding the player’s recruitment, as Texas Tech had continued to push hard despite the athlete’s verbal commitment to South Carolina. The Red Raiders’ persistence paid off, with the lineman announcing his change of heart via social media, citing a strong relationship with the Texas Tech coaching staff, a better fit with their defensive scheme, and a sense of comfort with the program’s culture and direction.
“After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to Texas Tech University,” he wrote in a post. “I want to thank the South Carolina staff for believing in me, but I know Lubbock is where I’m meant to be.”
Texas Tech’s defensive staff, led by head coach Joey McGuire and defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter, has made defensive line play a key focus of their 2025 recruiting strategy. The 270-pound lineman fits their mold of a physical, high-motor player capable of plugging gaps, pressuring quarterbacks, and contributing immediately at the Power Five level.
Coaches and scouts have praised the recruit’s blend of size, strength, and agility, calling him a “day-one impact player” with the potential to be a centerpiece in a modern, aggressive defensive front. With his frame and quick first step, he projects as a versatile lineman who can shift between defensive tackle and strong-side defensive end in both three- and four-man fronts.
At the high school level, the lineman dominated the competition during his junior season, posting 62 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks, drawing offers from over a dozen Division I programs. South Carolina initially secured his commitment after a strong official visit, but Texas Tech never backed off, continuing to build a relationship that ultimately swayed him to flip.
Recruiting analysts have pointed to a strong connection with Coach McGuire as a pivotal factor in the decision. Known for his energy, authenticity, and Texas ties, McGuire has rapidly elevated Texas Tech’s recruiting profile since taking over the program. The staff’s continued communication with the player and his family reportedly built a foundation of trust that made the transition feel natural.
For South Carolina, the flip is a disappointing blow to their defensive class. Head coach Shane Beamer and his staff had been hopeful about keeping the commitment locked in, especially as the Gamecocks look to rebuild their defensive front for the future. Still, the unpredictable nature of recruiting — especially in the NIL and transfer portal era — means programs are constantly navigating shifting sands.
With National Signing Day still months away, Texas Tech will now look to solidify this commitment and prevent other programs from entering the picture. The Red Raiders currently sit in the top half of the Big 12 recruiting rankings and continue to gain momentum with several top targets still in play.
For fans in Lubbock, this flip is more than just a headline — it’s a sign that Texas Tech is becoming a serious player on the national recruiting stage. With their 2025 class starting to take shape, landing a physically dominant defensive lineman who was once SEC-bound could be a cornerstone moment for the Red Raiders’ future.