Sports

Texas Tech Enters Race for Nation's Top-Rated EDGE Recruit

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are beginning to test the waters when it comes to the 2028 recruiting cycle. Despite not landing any commitments yet, Joey McGuire and his staff are hard at work.

Several of the class's top players have caught their attention, including EDGE Jalanie George. Out of Goodyear, Arizona, the sophomore pass rusher stands at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds.

He's emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the cycle. Rivals Industry Rankings list George as a five-star recruit, the No. 1 EDGE, the No. 1 player in Arizona and the No. 4 player in the nation.

 Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Red Raiders have a strong history when it comes to landing elite pass rushers. In the 2027 cycle, they have received commitments from five-star EDGE Anthony Sweeney and five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster.

They're looking to keep the trend going. On Tuesday, George announced he received an offer from Texas Tech.

"After a great conversation with @Coachjacsmith I am blessed to receive my 40th D1 offer from @TexasTechFB @AZcoachHenri @DEdgeFootball," he wrote via an X post.

He's coming off an impressive 2025-26 season at Desert Edge High School. In 11 games, he recorded 54 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

Despite still having two more full years of high school, the Red Raiders are joining the battle late. George already has offers from a handful of top programs, such as the Ole Miss Rebels, USC Trojans, Texas A&M Aggies, Alabama Crimson Tide, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Indiana Hoosiers.

A favorite has already emerged as well. According to the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machines, Ole Miss already has the best chance (21.5%) to land the pass rusher's commitment. Texas Tech has ground to make up if it hopes to come out on top.

Related: Alabama Football Falls Behind SEC Team for 2027 Linebacker

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 11:06 AM.

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