Lubbock isn't supposed to win these battles. Honestly, that’s just the historical reality of Big 12 recruiting. When a kid has Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia on his front porch, the Red Raiders usually end up as the "hat on the table" that never gets picked.
But on July 4, 2025—which also happened to be his 17th birthday—Felix Ojo lit a fuse that’s still shaking the foundations of the sport. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive tackle from Mansfield Lake Ridge decided to stay in the 806.
It wasn't just a commitment; it was a hostile takeover of the recruiting rankings. Texas Tech football recruiting Felix Ojo represents the highest-rated pledge in program history, even edging out Micah Hudson. People in Lubbock are calling it the "Independence Day Stunner."
The $5.1 Million Elephant in the Room
Let's not dance around it. Recruiting in 2026 is about more than just "family atmosphere" and nice facilities.
Reports surfaced quickly that Ojo’s commitment was backed by a massive revenue-sharing deal. We're talking a three-year contract worth roughly $5.1 million. His agent, Derrick Shelby, basically confirmed the framework to ESPN. It averages out to about $775,000 a year, with a verbal understanding that those numbers could scale up to $5 million total.
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Some fans of traditional blue bloods—specifically the Ohio State crowd—have been a bit salty about it. Recently, a viral video from a Rivals camp showed Buckeyes commit DJ Jacobs getting the better of Ojo in a bull rush drill. The internet, being the internet, immediately started chirping that Ojo "chose the money" over development.
That’s a lazy take.
Ojo is young. Like, really young. He won't even turn 18 until July 2026. He's a developmental freak of nature who already has an 81-inch wingspan and 33-inch arms. If you’re Joey McGuire and Clay McGuire, you take that frame every single day and you don’t apologize for the price tag.
Why Felix Ojo Actually Fits the Tech Blueprint
Forget the stars for a second. Look at how he plays.
Ojo is a multi-sport athlete who throws the discus (hitting 146-8 as a junior). That translates to "functional athleticism." He’s not a "stationary" blocker. He’s a traveler. When he pulls or climbs to the second level, he moves like a power forward who happens to weigh nearly 300 pounds.
- Height/Weight: 6'6.5" / 290 lbs
- High School: Mansfield Lake Ridge (Texas 6A)
- Key Accolades: Navy All-American Bowl, Polynesian Bowl, Anthony Muñoz Award finalist.
The scouting report from Gabe Brooks at 247Sports highlights his "mean streak." He doesn't just block guys; he tries to rub their faces in the turf. That’s the "Brand" Joey McGuire has been preaching since he stepped foot on campus. It's aggressive. It's slightly disrespectful. It's West Texas.
Breaking Down the 2026 Class Momentum
Felix Ojo didn't arrive in a vacuum. His commitment was the centerpiece of a week-long heater where Tech also landed four-star safety Donovan Webb and running back Ashton Rowden.
Suddenly, Texas Tech has a top-20 national class. They aren't just picking up the "scraps" after UT and A&M take their fill. They are actively poaching elite talent from under the noses of the SEC and Big Ten.
The offensive line haul specifically is ridiculous. Alongside Ojo, they've got:
- Bryce Gilmore: A 6-foot-4, 270-pound technician from Prosper.
- Jacob Crow: A massive 6-point-8 mountain from Tennessee.
- JJ Mays: A nasty interior guy from Pflugerville.
This is how you build a program that doesn't just have one "miracle season" but stays relevant. You build a wall.
Addressing the Critics and the "Money" Narrative
Is there a risk? Of course.
When you sign a kid to a multi-million dollar deal before he’s even had his first college burrito, the pressure is astronomical. We saw the "slips" in the rankings—Rivals moved him from the No. 1 tackle down to No. 7 after a tough showing in some non-padded drills.
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But talk to anyone who actually watches 6A Texas high school football. Ojo didn't allow a single sack his entire senior season. He allowed four pressures. Total. Over a whole year. In the hardest division in the country.
He’s an early enrollee, too. He’s already in Lubbock (or getting there) to start spring ball in 2026. That extra semester in a college weight room is going to change his body rapidly. By the time the 2026 season kicks off, that "lean" 290-pound frame could easily be 310 pounds of pro-ready muscle.
What This Means for the Future of Texas Tech
This recruitment is a proof of concept. It proves that the "Matador Club" and the Tech administration are willing to play the game at the highest level.
If you want to win the Big 12—which Tech is currently trying to defend—you need NFL-caliber left tackles. Felix Ojo is that. He has the footwork to handle speed rushers and the length to keep the monsters off his quarterback's face.
The days of Tech being a "passing circus" with a revolving door at tackle are over. They are recruiting size, pedigree, and nastiness.
Next Steps to Watch:
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- Spring Game Performance: Keep a close eye on how Ojo handles the speed of the Red Raiders' EDGE rushers like LaDamion Guyton during April practices.
- Body Transformation: Look for official weight updates in August; Ojo's frame can easily carry 315 lbs without losing his elite lateral quickness.
- The Depth Chart: Don't be surprised if Ojo pushes for a starting spot or heavy rotation minutes as a true freshman, given his early enrollment.
The "Independence Day Stunner" wasn't a fluke. It was a warning shot. Texas Tech is no longer just "happy to be here" in the recruiting world—they're taking what they want.