Five-Star Offensive Tackle Stuns Recruiting World by Picking Texas Tech Over Longhorns in One of 2025’s Biggest Surprises
The college football recruiting landscape thrives on surprises, and few decisions in the 2025 cycle have shocked the scene quite like five-star offensive tackle Tyler Simmons’ unexpected commitment to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Long projected to land at the University of Texas in Austin, Simmons flipped the narrative by announcing his pledge to Texas Tech during a live broadcast on Friday night, stunning analysts, fans, and rival coaches alike.
Simmons, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackle out of North Shore High School in Houston, has long been considered one of the most dominant linemen in the country. Ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in Texas and a top-15 player nationally, he had been heavily courted by powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and, most notably, Texas. The Longhorns were widely assumed to be the frontrunner throughout the process, with head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood making Simmons a top priority since his sophomore season.
But when the time came for his decision, Simmons threw the recruiting world into chaos. During the nationally streamed announcement held at his high school gym, the star lineman reached beneath the table and pulled out a black and red Texas Tech hat, stunning the room into silence before a wave of cheers from a few surprised Red Raiders fans in attendance broke through the disbelief.
“Everybody expected me to go somewhere else,” Simmons said, pausing to let the moment linger. “But I’m not here to follow the blueprint. I’m here to make my own. Guns up!”
The commitment sent shockwaves across social media and recruiting platforms, as Texas Tech—under head coach Joey McGuire—pulled off what many are calling the most significant recruiting win in program history. Not only did they land a five-star talent, but they beat out in-state blueblood Texas for a lineman who many believed was already a silent commit to the Longhorns.
For Texas, the news is a bitter pill to swallow. The Longhorns had hosted Simmons on multiple visits, including an official trip just two weeks before his decision. Insiders pointed to Texas’ deep ties to the North Shore program and longstanding relationships as signs of confidence. At one point, more than 90% of expert predictions had Simmons bound for Austin.
However, behind the scenes, Texas Tech had quietly been gaining ground. McGuire, known for his high-energy approach and Texas high school coaching connections, built a direct line of trust with Simmons and his family. Offensive line coach Stephen Hamby played a key role in the recruiting push, consistently reinforcing a vision in which Simmons could be the cornerstone of a historic turnaround in Lubbock.
“They didn’t treat me like a trophy,” Simmons explained. “They treated me like a foundation. Coach McGuire told me I could change the future here, not just be another name on a roster. That meant something.”
Texas Tech’s strategy centered around personalization and vision. Rather than pitch past glories or sell the SEC dream like Texas and others, Tech focused on Simmons’ potential to be the centerpiece of a build-from-within movement. The Red Raiders’ message? You don’t have to leave Texas to be legendary—you just have to choose the right Texas.
And Simmons bought in.
The decision immediately altered the recruiting calculus for the 2025 cycle. Texas Tech, long seen as a second-tier Power Five program with limited pull on the national stage, now boasts a commitment from one of the premier players in the country. For McGuire, it’s the clearest signal yet that his aggressive, grassroots approach to recruiting can produce elite results.
“We’re not backing down from anyone,” McGuire said in a post-announcement interview. “We believe in our plan, our people, and the power of West Texas. And Tyler believes in it too.”
As for Simmons’ impact on the field, the Red Raiders are getting a game-changer. He’s a rare blend of athleticism, technique, and raw power. His ability to mirror edge rushers and dominate at the point of attack has drawn comparisons to former All-Pro Tyron Smith. Simmons helped lead North Shore to back-to-back state titles and was virtually untouchable throughout his junior campaign.
“He’s a plug-and-play SEC-level lineman,” said 247Sports analyst Andrew Ivins. “To see him choose Texas Tech is both stunning and intriguing. If they can keep him committed, it changes the trajectory of that program.”
The key phrase, of course, is “if they can keep him committed.” With Signing Day still months away, Simmons will be the subject of intense pursuit from schools looking to flip him. Texas, Alabama, and others are unlikely to back off completely. However, Simmons seemed confident in the finality of his choice.
“I know what people are going to say. They’ll say it’s just hype, or that I’ll change my mind,” Simmons said. “But this is my home now. I’m all in. We’re building something special.”
The commitment also carries weight off the field. It’s a symbolic win for programs like Texas Tech, who often lose elite in-state talent to the traditional powers. With conference realignment, increased NIL opportunities, and the growing importance of branding, a new era of recruiting parity may be emerging—one where infrastructure and culture can outweigh reputation alone.
Texas Tech has made major investments in recent years, including upgrades to Jones AT&T Stadium and the announcement of a $200 million football facility renovation. Those moves, combined with McGuire’s vision and staff continuity, helped create a fertile recruiting environment that could now see exponential growth.
For Texas, the focus now shifts to damage control. The Longhorns have other offensive line targets, but missing on Simmons leaves a major hole in their 2025 class. Sarkisian has recruited well in the trenches since arriving in Austin, but this loss—especially to an in-state Big 12 rival—could hurt perception.
“Texas will recover, no doubt,” said recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman. “But losing a kid like Simmons to Tech is the kind of moment fans remember. It’s an emotional loss, not just a football one.”
Indeed, reactions from Longhorn fans ranged from disbelief to fury. Social media erupted in commentary, with many pointing fingers at the staff for letting the momentum slip.
One fan posted, “How do you lose a five-star lineman from Houston to Texas Tech? This one’s going to haunt us.”
Still, the recruitment game is far from over. Flip attempts, in-home visits, and late offers could all come into play. But for now, Texas Tech is relishing the win—and using it as a springboard.
Simmons’ decision gives the Red Raiders their highest-ranked recruit in program history and propels them into the national spotlight. With more top targets watching closely, Texas Tech has the potential to ride this wave into even bigger gains.
“We’re not done,” McGuire said. “This is just the beginning.”
For Tyler Simmons, the spotlight will only grow brighter in the months ahead. He’ll enter his senior season as the most closely watched lineman in the country, and his every move—on the field and in recruiting—will be dissected.
But for now, he’s made his choice clear.
“I could’ve taken the easy road,” he said. “But I’d rather build something that lasts. Lubbock, I’m coming. Let’s make history.”
With those words, a new chapter began—not just for Simmons, but for Texas Tech football. One commitment, one moment, and one massive statement that echoes far beyond the borders of the Lone Star State.
