Texas Tech football continues to make waves in the Lone Star State, this time earning well-deserved recognition from one of Texas’ most respected authorities in college football—Dave Campbell’s Texas Football (DCTF). In a stunning show of depth, development, and dynamic playmaking, eight Red Raiders have been named to the prestigious All-Texas Teams, a powerful nod to the program’s growing presence and influence across the state. With these selections, Texas Tech not only cements its place among the elite programs in Texas but also signals its potential as a rising contender on the national stage.
These All-Texas Team honors are more than just symbolic. They represent a tangible reward for countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and elite performance. DCTF’s All-Texas Teams are compiled through rigorous evaluation, looking at in-state performances among FBS programs. To have eight players recognized across various positions is a testament to the holistic strength of the Red Raiders’ roster.
Perhaps most notable in this year’s honorees is the balance of both offensive and defensive talent, a sign that head coach Joey McGuire’s program is no longer top-heavy or reliant on any single phase of the game. These eight players represent a strong cross-section of leadership, versatility, and potential NFL upside that reflects well on both the coaching staff’s recruiting prowess and player development system.
Among the recognized players, starting quarterback Behren Morton headlines the list. His inclusion was almost inevitable, given the poise, intelligence, and precision he brought to the position last season. Morton has steadily matured into one of the most dependable signal-callers in the Big 12, with a cannon for an arm and the confidence to make difficult throws look routine. His presence on the All-Texas Team is a ringing endorsement of the Red Raiders’ offensive resurgence.
Also on the list is standout wide receiver Jerand Bradley, whose size, athleticism, and route-running prowess make him a matchup nightmare for defenders. Bradley turned in multiple clutch performances in the 2024 campaign, often coming through in key third-down situations and red-zone opportunities. His chemistry with Morton has made Texas Tech’s passing attack one of the most feared in the region. His selection validates his role as a cornerstone in the Red Raiders’ offensive identity.
In the trenches, offensive lineman Caleb Rogers earns recognition for anchoring an O-line that showed remarkable improvement in both pass protection and run-blocking efficiency. Rogers’ leadership and consistency have given Texas Tech a solid foundation up front, essential for any team looking to challenge for a conference title.
Defensively, edge rusher Steve Linton made the All-Texas Team after a season filled with quarterback pressures, tackles for loss, and momentum-shifting plays. His motor and explosiveness off the edge were instrumental in making Texas Tech’s defense one of the most disruptive in the Big 12. Linton’s high motor, combined with an impressive blend of speed and technique, earned him widespread attention from not only state media but also national draft analysts.
Joining Linton on the defensive side of the ball is safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, a dynamic ball hawk who has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Nicknamed “Rabbit” for his speed and agility, Taylor-Demerson showcased both leadership and athleticism, often serving as the emotional spark for the defense. His awareness and anticipation have made him a defensive anchor and a likely NFL draft pick in the near future.
Linebacker Jesiah Pierre also finds himself on the All-Texas Team, following a breakout year that saw him become a tackling machine and a vocal leader in the middle of the defense. His sideline-to-sideline range and ability to diagnose plays quickly made him a key factor in shutting down opposing rushing attacks. Pierre is emblematic of the toughness and grit that McGuire has infused into the defensive identity of this team.
Another standout is punter Austin McNamara, who continues to redefine what it means to be a special teams weapon. Known for his booming leg and ability to flip field position, McNamara’s precision and power are crucial in a conference where every yard matters. It’s rare for punters to receive consistent recognition, but McNamara’s skill set demands attention and has earned him a place among the best in the nation.
Rounding out the eight is cornerback Malik Dunlap, whose lockdown coverage and physical playstyle disrupted opposing passing games week after week. Dunlap is fearless at the line of scrimmage, often jamming receivers and throwing off their timing. His technique and confidence have drawn praise from scouts and analysts alike, further validating his selection to the team.
For Texas Tech, this recognition is more than a press release—it’s validation of the steady climb the program has undertaken over the past few seasons. When McGuire arrived in Lubbock, he brought a new energy, a relentless recruiting drive, and a fierce commitment to developing homegrown Texas talent. These eight selections reflect the fruits of that labor. McGuire has repeatedly emphasized that Texas Tech is no longer the underdog—it’s a destination program. The representation on DCTF’s All-Texas Teams proves that this isn’t just coach-speak—it’s becoming reality.
Moreover, the spread of honorees across different classes and eligibility levels bodes well for sustained success. Several of the recognized players are expected to return next season, giving Texas Tech a stable nucleus around which to build. The experience and leadership these players bring will be invaluable as the Red Raiders face the gauntlet of Big 12 play and aspire to challenge the traditional powerhouses.
Texas Tech’s footprint in the ever-competitive Texas recruiting landscape also stands to benefit. High school prospects in the Lone Star State pay close attention to honors like the DCTF All-Texas Teams. Seeing Red Raiders well-represented sends a strong message to recruits: you can come to Lubbock, compete at a high level, and earn the respect and accolades you deserve without having to don the burnt orange or maroon and white.
The timing of these honors also couldn’t be better. As the 2025 season looms, expectations around the program are at their highest in years. Texas Tech is no longer flying under the radar. The national media is beginning to take notice. And internally, the players and coaches believe that the best is yet to come.
There’s a certain pride that comes with representing Texas on a football field, and to be named one of the state’s best is an honor that players never take lightly. For these eight Red Raiders, the DCTF nod is a badge of pride, a token of excellence, and a signal to the rest of the college football world: Texas Tech is for real.
In a state where football is practically a religion, to earn such recognition is akin to being knighted. It’s a stamp of approval from the high priests of Texas football culture. And now, eight Red Raiders bear that stamp—each one a testament to grit, growth, and greatness.
Whether it’s the quiet confidence of a poised quarterback, the roar of a game-changing sack, or the strategic brilliance of a perfectly placed punt, these eight players have elevated not just their personal brands but the entire Texas Tech program. And if this trend continues, DCTF may need to make room for even more Red Raiders on next year’s list. The message has been sent loud and clear: Texas Tech is not just participating in the Texas football tradition—they’re reshaping it.
