Texas Tech is not its average self this season. Joey McGuire has established that firmly. The Red Raiders are 8-1 in the season, and stand on the brink of making it to the playoffs. McGuire seems to have hit the turnaround point this season with the program. The rapid growth has caught the attention of a key local prospect: Kevin ‘KJ’ Ford Jr.

Ford, a 4-star EDGE rusher, is already committed to Florida. He is the 2nd highest rated recruit for the Gators. But UF caving in on themselves this season has forced him to look elsewhere. Texas Tech is going full steam ahead to steal the safety from other rivals as a dark horse option. “Optimism looks to be growing around the Texas Tech program ahead of the trip, and I believe the budding Big 12 powerhouse is on the gas and pushing hard to add Ford to the fold,” On3’s Steve Wiltfong reported.

Texas Tech is closing in on being part of the top 20 of the 2026 cycle, sitting at No. 21 right now. McGuire has become a solid recruiter, having secured two 5-star targets, one being star prospect Felix Ojo, in the current class. If McGuire can land Ford at Lubbock, he’ll get some serious talent in for the program.

Ford hauled in 57 total tackles, 16 TFLs, and 7 sacks last year. He surprised everyone by committing to Florida, since Texas A&M and Ohio State were also in the running for his signature. But competition is stiff for Texas Tech as, reportedly, the Aggies are also looking to secure Ford’s commitment. Even USC is being mentioned in the conversations.

The stakes are high for Texas Tech and Joey McGuire, since he will be hosting an important recruiting weekend, that too at a key matchup. But one thing is for sure: Kevin Ford will be watching Texas Tech on the brink of making history.

Kevin Ford visits Texas Tech on an important gameday

The early signing period is now closer than ever for Texas Tech. This puts Joey McGuire in range of breaking into the Top 20 if he manages to win a few more commitments. This weekend has now become an important one for both Ford and Joey McGuire. Ford will not only watch the Big 12 No. 2 Red Raiders take on the No. 1 Cougars. Texas Tech enters this game with a new achievement.

Texas Tech will play BYU, ranked No. 8 by the CFP Committee, breaking into the rankings for the first time in program history. McGuire has reached that turnaround point with Texas Tech this season. The BYU game will ultimately define the playoff scenario for TTU. Both these programs, along with Utah, have a serious shot of making the playoffs. If Texas Tech has this one in the bag, there’s no stopping McGuire from hauling yet another first in program history.

Ford told 247Sports that the rapport with Florida coaches is what has prevented him from taking back his commitment. But with the program expected to undergo a major overhaul next year, it makes things risky for the EDGE rusher. Texas Tech and Joey McGuire have already made an impact big enough to land a visit from Ford. They just need to run that extra mile to flip him from a weakened program.