The Texas Tech Red Raiders have become a program of growing significance in the Big 12 Conference ever since head coach Joey McGuire took over in Lubbock. With a culture rooted in toughness, grit, and accountability, McGuire has done more than simply inject life into a historically inconsistent program—he’s built belief. Now, as the Red Raiders prepare for what many believe could be a breakthrough season in 2025, all eyes are on the health and availability of key players. Football is a game of attrition as much as it is one of tactics, and as McGuire continues to mold this team into a contender, getting the full picture of the team’s injury report before fall camp begins was essential. That’s exactly what he delivered during a much-anticipated press conference, where he addressed not just the status of players recovering from injuries but the overall physical shape of his team heading into August.
One of the most significant updates revolved around quarterback Behren Morton, the projected starter who dealt with shoulder injuries throughout the 2024 season. Morton’s talent has never been in question. His arm strength, command of the huddle, and ability to stretch the field vertically make him a vital component of Zach Kittley’s offensive scheme. However, his durability became a concern as he battled through multiple hits last year, forcing the coaching staff to alternate between him and backup Jake Strong in some critical games. According to McGuire, Morton is “100 percent cleared,” and he’s been participating fully in workouts and player-led practices. That was music to the ears of Red Raider fans, who know that a healthy Morton elevates Texas Tech’s ceiling significantly. McGuire was quick to emphasize not just Morton’s recovery, but his offseason transformation, citing an added ten pounds of muscle and a renewed focus on throwing mechanics designed to minimize future shoulder strain.
In the trenches, McGuire addressed questions about two foundational pieces of the offensive line—center Rusty Staats and tackle Caleb Rogers. Both had minor offseason procedures and were held out of spring ball as a precaution. Staats, who transferred from Western Kentucky last year, quickly became a key communicator along the line and was sorely missed when sidelined. McGuire revealed that both linemen are “right on schedule” and will be full participants when fall camp kicks off. The offensive line is critical not just for Morton’s protection but also for the development of the Red Raiders’ run game, which sputtered at times in 2024 due to inconsistent blocking and injuries to the backfield. Getting healthy bodies back, especially veterans who understand the scheme, will allow the Red Raiders to be more balanced offensively.
The health of the running back room was also a major topic of concern coming out of spring practice. Tahj Brooks, the bruising back who carried much of the offensive load last season, has become something of a fan favorite in Lubbock, and with good reason. His north-south running style, combined with excellent vision and pass protection, made him one of the most reliable players in the conference. However, he did deal with nagging lower-body injuries late in the season and was notably absent from portions of spring training. McGuire assured reporters that Brooks had taken the time to “fully recover” and had looked explosive during voluntary workouts. There was no sign of a limp or hesitation in his cuts, according to McGuire, who praised Brooks’ leadership during the team’s summer conditioning period. The Red Raiders will again rely on Brooks to carry the load, especially early in the season when the offense may need to lean on the ground game to control the tempo.
McGuire didn’t stop there. In what has become a trademark of his leadership style, he gave candid updates on players across the roster, including some whose status was less certain. Wide receiver Jerand Bradley, a dynamic playmaker with NFL upside, missed key stretches of last season with a hamstring issue that never seemed to fully heal. McGuire noted that Bradley underwent a tailored offseason training plan designed to strengthen his hamstring and improve flexibility. So far, the results have been encouraging. Bradley has not only returned to full speed but also reportedly posted personal bests in several speed and agility drills over the summer. That’s big news for a receiver room that lost Myles Price to graduation and will need Bradley to be a go-to option on third downs and in the red zone.
One of the more under-the-radar updates came on the defensive side, where linebacker Jesiah Pierre has been recovering from a foot fracture that required surgery during the offseason. Pierre is the emotional and physical anchor of the Red Raiders’ front seven, and his presence cannot be overstated. McGuire confirmed that Pierre has been cleared for non-contact drills and is expected to be ready for full practice reps within the first week of fall camp. The team’s medical staff has been cautious, opting for a step-by-step ramp-up process rather than risking reinjury. While it’s unclear how quickly Pierre will be up to game speed, his leadership during walkthroughs and position meetings has not wavered. McGuire called him the “heartbeat” of the defense and said he expects Pierre to be fully active by the time Tech kicks off against North Dakota.
Depth has always been a challenge for Texas Tech, especially on defense, where attrition and inexperience have at times undermined the team’s ability to finish games. McGuire addressed that concern directly, noting that the strength and conditioning program had made “tremendous strides” in building durability across the roster. Defensive backs Malik Dunlap and Tyler Owens were both banged up last season, often forcing younger players into high-leverage situations. According to McGuire, both are “stronger and quicker than ever,” thanks to customized training plans focused on lower-body explosiveness and recovery. Owens, in particular, has become a vocal leader in the secondary, helping to onboard new players and reinforce communication techniques in a unit that allowed too many explosive plays last year.
The Red Raiders’ defensive line, a group that has been steadily improving under McGuire’s direction, also got positive news. Tony Bradford Jr., a senior who flirted with the idea of declaring for the NFL Draft, opted to return for one final season. He had offseason cleanup surgery on his knee, which had bothered him toward the end of last season, but McGuire said Bradford is ahead of schedule and participating in all football activities. Having him back healthy is a massive bonus for a defensive front that wants to increase its sack totals and disrupt opposing backfields more consistently in 2025.
While McGuire was optimistic about the overall health of the team, he did caution that camp would be critical in monitoring players who are returning from long layoffs. He specifically mentioned safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, who suffered a high ankle sprain late last season and was limited in spring activities. Though he is medically cleared, McGuire said the staff would be watching his lateral movement closely. Taylor-Demerson is a key cog in the Red Raiders’ defense, especially given his ability to cover tight ends and jump routes over the middle.
True freshmen and transfers also factored into McGuire’s health rundown, as many of them will be counted on to contribute immediately. Linebacker Isaiah Crawford, coming off ACL surgery from his senior year of high school, is progressing well and has been cleared for non-contact participation. McGuire emphasized patience, noting that while Crawford has sky-high potential, rushing him back would be a mistake. Similarly, wideout Josh Kelly, who transferred in from Washington State, had a lingering groin issue during the spring but is now fully healthy. McGuire believes Kelly could be one of the team’s breakout stars, especially as he develops chemistry with Morton.
Throughout the press conference, one theme became clear: this is a Texas Tech team that has embraced professionalism in how it approaches injury recovery, physical preparation, and mental readiness. McGuire repeatedly credited the team’s training staff and strength coaches, saying that their communication and individualized care have allowed players not just to return, but to come back better. He spoke with the tone of a man who knows his team is maturing and understands what it takes to compete at a high level over the course of a grueling season. He also pointed to the team’s sports science upgrades—things like GPS tracking, soft tissue monitoring, and sleep optimization—as reasons for optimism regarding the Red Raiders’ ability to stay healthy deeper into the year.
With kickoff approaching and expectations building, the health updates provided by McGuire served not just to inform but to energize. For a program that has often been on the outside looking in, hoping for a moment in the national spotlight, the ability to enter the season with most of its major contributors healthy is a crucial advantage. McGuire knows that injuries are a part of football. He can’t control every sprain or tweak that occurs during fall camp. But what he can control is the culture—and that culture has grown stronger, tougher, and smarter under his watch. In the end, his detailed injury updates reflected more than just medical status—they revealed a team prepared to attack the 2025 season with clarity, confidence, and depth.
