Big 12 Team Predicted to Land Two Elite 5-Star Recruits

Big 12 Team Predicted to Land Two Elite 5-Star Recruits originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When it comes to building up a college football program, one of the most crucial aspects is high school recruiting, and it's clear the Texas Tech Red Raiders are working on something special.

The coaching and recruiting staffs have quickly turned their heads to some of the top talent in the 2027 class, with EDGE LaDamion Guyton (Savannah, Georgia) and offensive tackle Cooper Hackett (Fort Gibson, Oklahoma) taking center stage.

Texas Tech Predicted to Land Both Recruits

Some good news may soon be coming for head coach Joey McGuire, because on Tuesday, Rivals' Steve Wiltfong logged two expert predictions, which had the Red Raiders landing Guyton and Hackett.

Each would be a huge boost, especially Guyton, whom Rivals Industry Rankings places as a five-star recruit, the No. 1 EDGE, the No. 1 player in Georgia and the No. 2 player in the nation. Last season for Savannah Christian High School, he racked up 52 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss.

His performance on the field also led to him earning some exciting recognition, as he received second-team honors on MaxPreps' High School Football Sophomore All-America Team.

He may sit just a bit lower, but it's not as though Hackett is some slouch, though, as Rivals Industry Rankings also places him as a five-star recruit, the No. 3 offensive tackle, the No. 1 player in Oklahoma and the No. 10 player in the nation.

While Guyton stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 240 pounds, Hackett is 6-foot-7 and weighs 250 pounds; each already possesses impressive size, considering they still have two more years of high school.

Texas Tech Eyeing Many Other 5-Stars

Obviously, coming out on top for each of these players would be a huge success, but there's no reason to believe the Red Raiders would slow down, as they still have offers out to several other five-star prospects.

5-Stars the Red Raiders Have Offered:

• Quarterback Elijah Haven (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
• Wide receiver Easton Royal (New Orleans)
• Offensive tackle Kennedy Brown (Houston)
• EDGE Zyron Forstall (New Orleans)
• Defensive lineman Jalen Brewster (Cedar Hill, Texas)
• Cornerback John Meredith (Arlington, Texas)

Texas Tech Utilizing NIL

In today's era of college football, the Red Raiders are one program that has fully embraced the new NIL rules. According to Sam Khan Jr. of The Athletic, the team's 2025 roster budget is roughly $25 million, and it has spent more than $12 million during the winter transfer portal.

Their ability to open up the checkbook has also extended well into their quest for some of the nation's top high school recruits, as class of 2026 offensive tackle Felix Ojo reportedly received a fully guaranteed three-year $5.1 million deal.

Now, time will tell if that plays any role in Guyton or Hackett's decision, with the pass rusher set to announce his commitment Thursday, while the offensive tackle has yet to choose a date.

Related: USC Receives Clear Message from Highly Touted Recruit as Battle with Oregon Heats Up

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.