The Texas Tech Red Raiders are looking strong as they enter the 2026 college football season. They have players such as tight end Terrence Carter Jr. and cornerback Brice Pollock ready to make an impact.
Eli Lederman and Max Olson of ESPN recently released their preseason All-America team, and four Red Raiders made the two teams. Carter and Pollock both made the first team, while running back J’Koby Williams and defensive tackle A.J. Holmes Jr. made the second team, with Williams an all-purpose selection.
The four are expected to be among the top players for Texas Tech as they look to repeat as Big 12 champions and return to the College Football Playoff. Carter had 55 receptions for 624 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season, his first with the Red Raiders.
Pollock, despite playing through injuries in 2025, had a breakout season with 48 tackles and five interceptions. He is on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award. Williams showed why he is one of the most versatile players in the country last season, finishing with 868 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 155 carries last year and 388 receiving yards and two more touchdowns.
Holmes will be one of the most important players for the Red Raiders as he anchors their rebuilt defensive line. The Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, he finished the year with 38 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 37 pressures.
Texas Tech will open the season against the Abilene Christian Wildcats on Sept. 5 in Galaxy Stadium. The game is set to start at 6 p.m. CT and will be on FS1.
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This article originally appeared on Red Raiders Wire: Four Texas Tech players named to ESPN’s preseason All-America team
Reporting by Curt Bishop, Red Raiders Wire / Red Raiders Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Curt Bishop, Red Raiders Wire | USA TODAY Network
