Texas Tech sets program record with 9 picks in 2026 NFL draft

The 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up Saturday with rounds four through seven, and Texas Tech Red Raiders football put the finishing touches on a historic weekend. By the end of the draft, nine Red Raiders had been selected — a new program record that surpasses the previous mark of six set back in 1956.

The nine selections also shattered Texas Tech’s record for the modern seven-round era, which previously stood at four picks in 2009. Nationally, the Red Raiders’ total ranked tied for fourth among FBS programs, trailing only Ohio State Buckeyes football (11), Alabama Crimson Tide football (10), and Texas A&M Aggies football (10). Texas Tech also led the Big 12 by a wide margin, with no other conference school exceeding four selections.

Saturday’s action began with wide receiver Reggie Virgil, who was taken early in the fifth round by the Arizona Cardinals. Virgil became the sixth Red Raider selected, tying the program’s longstanding single-draft record before it was ultimately broken later in the day. He closed his college career with 100 receptions for 1,583 yards and 16 touchdowns across stops at Texas Tech and Miami (Ohio), and led the Red Raiders in receptions during the 2025 season.

Defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard followed in the sixth round, selected by the Detroit Lions. Despite playing only six games due to injury, Gill-Howard impressed with strong production and high analytical grades, helping push Texas Tech to a new program benchmark of seven total draft picks.

Quarterback Behren Morton was chosen in the seventh round by the New England Patriots, marking a significant milestone for the program. Morton became the first Texas Tech quarterback drafted since Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Over five seasons, Morton helped lead the Red Raiders to a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance while finishing among the program’s all-time leaders in multiple passing categories.

The draft concluded with safety Cole Wisniewski going to the Philadelphia Eagles, securing the ninth and final selection for Texas Tech. Wisniewski made an immediate impact in his lone season with the Red Raiders, starting every game and finishing among the team’s leading tacklers.

Texas Tech’s nine-player draft class also included earlier selections: David Bailey (New York Jets, Round 1), Jacob Rodriguez (Miami Dolphins, Round 2), Lee Hunter (Carolina Panthers, Round 2), Romello Height (San Francisco 49ers, Round 3), and Caleb Douglas (Miami Dolphins, Round 3).

Beyond the record-setting total, the draft highlighted the program’s growing national presence. The Red Raiders not only led the Big 12 but also ranked second among Texas schools, trailing only Texas A&M. The group also stood out for its depth, with eight of the nine selections coming from transfer players — another category where Texas Tech ranked among the nation’s leaders.

With a program-record haul and representation across all seven rounds, Texas Tech exits the 2026 draft with one of the most significant achievements in school history, signaling continued momentum on the national stage.