Texas Tech Lands Stunning Commitment From Five-Star Offensive Tackle Felix Ojo, Who Picks Red Raiders Over In-State Rival Texas
In one of the most shocking recruiting developments of the 2025 cycle, five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo announced his commitment to Texas Tech, stunning fans and analysts who had widely predicted that the blue-chip lineman would end up with the Texas Longhorns. Ojo, a 6-foot-7, 310-pound powerhouse from Allen High School, made his decision public at a nationally televised press conference Friday afternoon, holding up a Red Raiders cap in front of a packed gym and declaring his loyalty to Lubbock.
The decision marks a monumental recruiting victory for head coach Joey McGuire and the Texas Tech staff, who beat out not only Texas, but also Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma for Ojo’s pledge. For the Red Raiders, this isn’t just another talented addition—it’s a potential program-altering commitment that signals Texas Tech is ready to challenge the state’s bluebloods for elite talent.
“I chose Texas Tech because they believed in me from day one,” Ojo said moments after his announcement. “It’s a place where I can be developed, where I can lead, and where I can help build something great from the ground up.”
Ojo is widely regarded as one of the top overall prospects in the 2025 class. Ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in Texas and the No. 4 player at his position nationally by 247Sports, Ojo possesses a rare blend of size, agility, and technical skill. His long frame, explosive first step, and ability to finish blocks with authority make him a nightmare for opposing edge rushers. He’s already drawn comparisons to former first-round picks like Broderick Jones and Tyron Smith.
The commitment is a milestone for Texas Tech, as Ojo becomes the highest-rated offensive line recruit in the history of the program. More importantly, it’s a direct recruiting win over Texas, a school long considered the dominant force for in-state offensive linemen.
“Texas Tech just made a massive statement,” said national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “To pull a kid like Felix Ojo from Allen—a longtime Longhorn pipeline—and get him to Lubbock is a seismic shift.”
Ojo had been heavily recruited by the Longhorns since his sophomore year. Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood made him a priority, visiting Allen frequently and hosting Ojo for multiple visits, including an official trip in June that was, by all accounts, impressive. He was seen as a key piece in Texas’ effort to build an elite SEC-ready offensive front.
Yet, behind the scenes, Texas Tech was steadily gaining ground. McGuire and offensive line coach Stephen Hamby sold Ojo on the opportunity to be “the guy” in Lubbock—a foundational player who could help elevate Tech’s offensive identity and rewrite the narrative surrounding the program’s ceiling. They emphasized development, playing time, and culture. In the end, that resonated.
“Coach McGuire is building something real,” Ojo said. “They’re not just talking—they’re working. They made me feel like I wasn’t just another recruit. I was family.”
McGuire’s recruiting style—grounded in authenticity, energy, and relentless relationship-building—continues to bear fruit. Since taking over in Lubbock, he’s made it clear that Texas Tech won’t back down from anyone in the recruiting wars. The Red Raiders have already seen a jump in recruiting rankings, and landing Ojo vaults them into the national spotlight.
“This is what we envisioned when we got here,” McGuire said in a statement shortly after the announcement. “We’re going to recruit the best, develop the best, and compete with the best. Felix is a Red Raider, and we’re fired up.”
The decision sent shockwaves across the state of Texas and throughout the college football world. Social media erupted with reactions ranging from stunned Longhorn fans to jubilant Red Raider faithful, who immediately recognized the weight of Ojo’s commitment.
For Texas, the loss stings deeply—not only because of Ojo’s immense talent, but because of the very public nature of the decision. The Longhorns were believed to be in the driver’s seat for months, and Ojo’s flip to Tech represents one of the biggest recruiting upsets in recent memory.
Still, recruiting is far from over. The early signing period is months away, and the Longhorns are likely to continue pursuing Ojo while also pivoting to other top offensive line targets. But for now, the momentum lies squarely in Lubbock.
Texas Tech’s 2025 recruiting class has quietly become one of the most impressive in the Big 12, and Ojo’s commitment could be the domino that triggers more elite talent to consider the Red Raiders. Already, several top recruits from Texas and surrounding states have expressed renewed interest in the program, noting that if a player of Ojo’s caliber sees potential in Tech, maybe they should take a second look too.
And for Ojo, the focus is now on preparing for his senior season and making an immediate impact once he arrives on campus in 2026. Known for his humility and tireless work ethic, he’s not one to be distracted by headlines.
“There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said. “I’m not satisfied with just being a top recruit. I want to be the best player I can be—for myself, for my team, and for Texas Tech.”
His coach at Allen High, Jason Bishop, has no doubt that Ojo will rise to the occasion.
“Felix is one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever coached,” Bishop said. “He’s driven, focused, and never backs down from a challenge. Texas Tech’s getting a future pro, no question.”
The Red Raiders plan to enroll Ojo early, allowing him to participate in spring practice and get a jumpstart on development. With multiple starters on the offensive line expected to graduate after the 2025 season, the opportunity for early playing time will be there—and the coaching staff isn’t shy about expressing their belief in his immediate impact.
“He’s not just a long-term guy,” Hamby said. “Felix can come in and compete from day one. He’s that ready.”
Beyond football, Ojo’s decision is also a powerful statement about choosing the right fit, even when it means going against conventional wisdom. In an era where NIL deals, legacy programs, and national exposure dominate the recruiting conversation, Ojo opted for a path that prioritizes development, culture, and belief.
“That’s what made this decision special,” Ojo said. “It wasn’t about hype. It was about heart.”
As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues to evolve, Felix Ojo’s decision to commit to Texas Tech stands as one of its defining moments. For a program eager to change its national perception and rise into the upper echelon of college football, this is more than a commitment—it’s a signal flare.
And for Ojo, it’s the beginning of a journey that he hopes will bring championships, legacy, and pride to the Red and Black of West Texas.
