Breaking News: Texas Tech Hit Hard as Two Four-Star Recruits Enter Transfer Portal in Shocking Exit
In a seismic shift that’s left Red Raider Nation reeling, Texas Tech football suffered a major blow this morning as two of its most coveted four-star recruits—wide receiver Jalen “Jet” Harmon and linebacker Malik Griggs—announced their sudden departure from the program, entering the NCAA transfer portal with immediate effect.
Both players were centerpieces in head coach Kellen Dykes’ 2025 recruiting class, hailed as part of a “program-changing” wave of talent expected to lift Texas Tech into Big 12 contention. Harmon, known for his 4.37 speed and uncanny ability to create separation, was expected to start as a true freshman. Griggs, a 6’3″, 225-pound sideline-to-sideline enforcer, was seen as the future anchor of the defense—already drawing comparisons to NFL names.
But the optimism crumbled before fall camp could begin.
Sources close to the program revealed internal tensions simmering over the last month. Harmon’s exit comes amid rumored disputes with the offensive staff about his usage in the Air Raid system, which reportedly did not align with what was pitched during recruitment. Griggs, meanwhile, is said to have clashed with defensive coordinator Tony Jacobs over positional deployment. “He wanted to play MIKE and lead,” an anonymous teammate said. “The coaches saw him more as a hybrid edge.”
Both players took to social media just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, posting near-identical statements citing “personal decisions and a desire for growth” while thanking the Texas Tech community. Within minutes, their names hit the transfer portal.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With preseason training just weeks away, the departures shake up not only depth charts but also locker room chemistry. Tech insiders say morale took an immediate dip, especially among younger players who looked to Harmon and Griggs as cultural leaders.
Recruiting analysts are already buzzing. Early whispers suggest that SEC giants—Alabama and Florida for Griggs, and Oregon and USC for Harmon—are preparing to make aggressive pitches. NIL speculation is rampant, with some suggesting back-channel offers played a role in the decision.
Texas Tech’s administration responded swiftly but cautiously. Head coach Kellen Dykes issued a short statement: “We respect Jalen and Malik’s choices. Our focus remains on developing the committed athletes in our locker room.”
Still, questions loom large. Is this the beginning of a trend? Will Tech’s recruiting credibility suffer? For a program on the cusp of becoming a Big 12 contender, this exodus is more than just a bump—it’s a potential derailment.
In Lubbock, the mood is somber. The dreams of a breakout season now feel uncertain, if not dimmed. The Red Raiders must now regroup, retool, and hope that what’s left of their 2025 class holds strong—because the college football landscape just reminded everyone how fast momentum can vanish.
