Big news for Texas Tech football fans: the Red Raiders are getting some serious love in the 2026 Phil Steele Preseason Teams. If you follow college football, you probably know Steele’s annual publication as the “College Football Bible.”
This year, seven Texas Tech players landed on Steele’s Preseason All-America Team. Eighteen players—nineteen total selections—showed up on his Preseason All-Big 12 Teams. That’s a jump from last year, and honestly, it feels like a nod to how much this team has grown.
Phil Steele’s 2026 Preseason All-America Team
Getting named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-America Team? That’s no small thing. Only two Red Raiders made the cut last year, but this time around, it’s seven.
First-Team Selection
Terrance Carter Jr. (TE): Carter Jr. leads the way for Tech, snagging a first-team spot. He’s set to be a cornerstone in the offense, especially after last season’s breakout.
Second-Team Selections
On the second team, you’ll find a handful of Red Raiders making waves:
- A.J. Holmes Jr. (DT): Holmes Jr. is a menace up front, always finding ways to wreck plays.
- Ben Roberts (LB): Roberts brings grit and a veteran presence to the defense.
- Brice Pollock (CB): Pollock’s quick feet and sharp instincts have earned him this spot.
- J’Koby Williams (all-purpose): Williams is everywhere—offense, special teams, you name it.
Fourth-Team Selections
Two more Red Raiders round out the All-America honors on the fourth team:
- Sheridan Wilson (C): Wilson anchors the O-line. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady.
- Stone Harrington (K): Harrington’s been clutch with his kicks, and it’s nice to see that recognized.
Phil Steele’s 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Texas Tech also showed up in a big way on Steele’s Preseason All-Big 12 Teams. Eighteen players, nineteen total selections—yeah, that’s a lot. Here’s the breakdown:
First-Team Selections
Eight Red Raiders landed on the first team. That’s not something you see every year.
- Cameron Dickey (RB): Dickey is a burner, and he’s got moves that make defenders miss.
- Terrance Carter Jr. (TE): Carter Jr. shows up here too—no surprise after that All-America nod.
- Adam Trick (DE): Trick’s pass rush is relentless. He’s a headache for quarterbacks.
- A.J. Holmes Jr. (DT): Holmes Jr. just keeps stacking up honors.
- Ben Roberts (LB): Roberts is everywhere on defense, always in the mix.
- Austin Romaine (LB): Romaine brings energy and a knack for big plays.
- Brice Pollock (CB): Pollock’s coverage skills are top-tier in the Big 12.
- Stone Harrington (K): Harrington’s leg gives Tech an edge in close games.
Second-Team Selections
Five more Red Raiders made the second team. Not bad at all:
- Sheridan Wilson (C): Wilson is the glue of that offensive line.
- Howard Sampson (OT): Sampson’s protection has let the offense breathe a little easier.
- Trey White (DE): White’s got a knack for blowing up plays.
- Kenny Johnson (PR): Johnson is electric as a punt returner—blink and he’s gone.
- Rylan Vagana (LS): Vagana’s long snaps are automatic, which is exactly what you want.
Third-Team Selections
Three Tech players landed on the third team:
- Kenny Johnson (WR): Johnson’s a deep threat, always a chance for a big play.
- Jacob Ponton (OT): Ponton’s steady blocking keeps the pocket clean.
- John Curry (LB): Curry’s tackling and coverage have made him a reliable part of the defense.
Fourth-Team Selections
And finally, three more on the fourth team:
- Jordan Church (OG): Church brings a ton of power to the offensive line.
- Will Karoll (P): Karoll’s punts flip the field, and that’s huge in tight games.
- J’Koby Williams (KR): Williams gets another nod for his work on kick returns—he’s just fun to watch.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Texas Tech football made a strong impression in Phil Steele’s Preseason Teams. That’s got folks buzzing about a promising 2026 season.
The recognition these players received doesn’t just show off individual talent—it says a lot about the team as a whole. As the Red Raiders get ready for what’s next, fans can’t help but look forward to seeing these standouts on the field.
If you want more updates or just want to poke around, check out the official Texas Tech Athletics website.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
