The Texas Tech Red Raiders hope to see a drastic improvement in their defense in 2025 after a disastrous year overall in 2024. They were at the bottom in points allowed and total yards per game, ranking 122nd in points and 127th in total yards per game out of 134 FBS schools. The Red Raiders’ number one source of their problems on defense was their lackluster pass rush, which tied for the 99th fewest sacks.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders added a veteran pass rusher
During the middle of December, the Red Raiders landed EDGE rusher Romello Height from the transfer portal. Height is currently on his fourth team and is in his sixth season of college. He spent the 2024 season with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and recorded 34 tackles, seven TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 12 games. The sixth-year senior also played for the Auburn Tigers from 2020 to 2021 and the USC Trojans from 2022 to 2023.
Texas Tech is not done improving their pass rush. Last night, they landed one of the best EDGE rushers available.
Texas Tech Red Raiders secure top pass rusher in the transfer portal
According to Hayes Fawcett of ON3, former Stanford Cardinal’s EDGE rusher David Bailey has transferred to Texas Tech for the 2025 season. As Fawcett points out, Bailey was the No.3 ranked player and the No.1 EDGE rusher available in the transfer portal. He is also considered one of the top pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
BREAKING: Stanford star transfer EDGE David Bailey has Committed to Texas Tech, he tells @On3sports
The 6’3 250 EDGE totaled 111 Tackles, 14.5 Sacks, & 7 FF in 3 years with Stanford
Is ranked as the No. 3 Player (No. 1 EDGE) in the Transfer Portalhttps://t.co/cusMbj0LoM pic.twitter.com/fpiVk5mHZX
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 5, 2025
Here’s a quick overview of his college career
David Bailey committed to the Stanford Cardinal as a four-star recruit for the 2022 season. He had a solid career with Stanford, recording 111 tackles, 23 TFLs, 14.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles in 32 games. Bailey had a great junior season, posting career highs in sacks and forced fumbles, with 31 tackles, eight TFLs, 17 stops, 39 pressures, seven sacks, and five forced fumbles in 12 games.
He entered the transfer portal following Troy Taylor’s firing.
