Texas Tech is entering the 2026 football season with plenty of momentum, and the Big 12 media is taking notice.
The conference announced its 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 Team on Monday, with the Red Raiders leading the league with seven total selections across offense, defense and special teams. Tech finished just ahead of BYU, which had six players recognized.
Leading the way is senior defensive lineman A.J. Holmes Jr., who was named the Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Holmes is the second straight Red Raider to earn the honor after linebacker Jacob Rodriguez received the award before last season.
Defense made up the bulk of Tech's preseason selections, with five players earning spots on the team.
Returning veterans Brice Pollock and Ben Roberts were both recognized after strong 2025 seasons. Pollock was named to the All-Big 12 First Team, while Roberts earned third-team honors, according to Texas Tech Athletics.
The Red Raiders also saw two newcomers receive preseason recognition. Linebacker Austin Romaine comes to Lubbock after an All-Big 12 Second Team season at Kansas State, where he finished with 66 tackles, one interception and half a sack.
Defensive lineman Adam Trick also arrives with an impressive résumé after earning All-MAC First Team Defense honors at Miami (Ohio). According to the Mid-American Conference, Trick totaled 59 tackles, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season.
On offense, senior tight end Terrance Carter Jr. was Tech's lone selection.
Carter is coming off a breakout season with 624 receiving yards and five touchdowns. According to Texas Tech Athletics, Pro Football Focus ranks him as the highest-rated returning tight end in the country. He also finished fifth among all FBS tight ends in receiving yards last season and enters 2026 as the nation's leading returning player in that category.
His selection is also a sign of how far the offense has come. Texas Tech did not have a single offensive player named to the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Team.
Rounding out Tech's selections is senior kicker Stone Harrington. Harrington earned first-team All-Big 12 honors after making 22 of his 28 field goal attempts last season. According to Texas Tech Athletics, he also became the first Red Raider in program history to make multiple field goals from 55 yards or longer in a career.
The preseason team and individual awards were voted on by media members who regularly cover the conference, according to Texas Tech Athletics.
