This wasn’t just a good draft for Texas Tech Red Raiders football; it was a program-defining moment. A statement. Nine players out of Lubbock heard their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft, setting a new single-year program record and breaking a mark that had stood for nearly 70 years.
From a top-two overall pick with David Bailey to late-round steals such as Cole Wisniewski, the city of Lubbock didn’t just produce NFL talent; it flooded the league with it. Across the board, the Red Raider developmental traits stood out, with the draftees featuring disruptive pass rushers, versatile linebackers, NFL-ready defensive tackles, receivers who thrive in multiple systems, and even a quarterback who led a Big 12 championship run.
It all started at the very top with edge rusher David Bailey being drafted No. 2 overall to the New York Jets. He became the highest drafted defensive player in program history after an impressive 14.5-sack season in 2025. From there on, the Lubbock pipeline didn’t slow down:
By the end of Day 2, Texas Tech was dominating the board. The final push came on Day 3 of the draft, breaking the program record and making history:
Reggie Virgil (WR) → Arizona Cardinals (No. 143)Skyler Gill-Howard (DT) → Detroit Lions (No. 205)Behren Morton (QB) → New England Patriots (No. 234)Cole Wisniewski (S) → Philadelphia Eagles (No. 244)
Nine draft picks, a program record, tied for 4th in the FBS nationally, and leading the entire Big 12 conference by a wide margin. Not to mention, more picks than several other traditional bluebloods. This draft class didn’t just elevate Red Raider products to the next level. It elevated the entire perception of Texas Tech football. The program now sits among the most productive talent pipelines in college football, joining the heavyweights at the top of the draft production line.
This article originally appeared on Red Raiders Wire: Texas Tech sets record with historic 2026 NFL Draft Class
Reporting by Lauren Beasley, Red Raiders Wire / Red Raiders Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
