The Fourth of July brought an unexpected surprise in Texas as Felix Ojo, a five-star offensive tackle and the top OT prospect in the 2026 class, committed to Texas Tech. Ojo, who attends Mansfield Lake Ridge, had draws from notable programs such as Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas, but he ultimately decided to join the Red Raiders. His agent, Derrick Shelby, mentioned that Ojo received a lucrative three-year, $5.1 million revenue-sharing deal to make the move to Texas Tech.

Ojo is now not only the first blue-chip commitment of Texas Tech’s 2026 class but also the highest-rated commitment in the team’s history. He surpasses Micah Hudson, a five-star wide receiver who recently rejoined Texas Tech. If Ojo signs, he and Hudson will stand as the only five-star prospects to commit to Texas Tech out of high school through 247Sports Composite ranking.

This recruitment marks a significant step for Texas Tech as they have been aggressive in utilizing their NIL strategy, which aims to position Lubbock as a powerhouse in college football under the vision of Coach Joey McGuire. This success is evident as the team recently jumped from No. 36 to No. 23 in recruiting rankings following Ojo’s commitment.

Ojo holds over 50 offers from top-tier programs and was among the first to receive an offer from Texas Tech back in January 2024, before his recruitment gained widespread attention. In terms of potential, his physical attributes combined with exceptional movement and agility suggest he has the makings for a future star in collegiate football and possibly beyond.

What’s Next for Texas?

After losing Ojo, Texas faces the challenge of recruiting new offensive line prospects. They have not secured a five-star offensive lineman since 2022 and now need to bolster their recruiting efforts to remain competitive.