NORMAN, OK — The college football recruiting world is bracing for a seismic announcement as five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo has informed OB’s Jason Suchomel for @rivals that he will reveal his commitment at 1:00 PM CST today, Friday, July 4, 2025. While Ojo had previously kept his decision close to the vest, sources indicate that he is set to shock the industry by committing to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, a stunning turn of events that sees the Lubbock program beat out traditional powerhouses like Texas, Florida, Michigan, and Ohio State. This anticipated flip, particularly over his perceived frontrunner, the Texas Longhorns, is poised to be one of the most talked-about recruiting stories of the cycle, fueling intense speculation about the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
Felix Ojo, a monumental 6-foot-7, 285-pound offensive tackle from Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas, is a consensus top-tier recruit in the 2026 class. He is widely considered one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, with 247Sports ranking him as the No. 5 overall prospect in the class and On3’s Industry Ranking placing him similarly high. His rare combination of size, athleticism, and fluidity for a player of his stature makes him a potential cornerstone left tackle at the collegiate level, capable of anchoring an offensive line for years to come.
The expected commitment to Texas Tech represents a massive upset in the recruiting landscape. Heading into decision day, the consensus among recruiting analysts had largely pointed towards the Texas Longhorns as the likely destination for Ojo. The Longhorns, under Steve Sarkisian, have been aggressively recruiting offensive line talent, particularly with their move to the SEC, and a talent like Ojo would have been a perfect fit for their needs. Other top programs like Florida, Michigan, and Ohio State were also heavily in the mix, having hosted Ojo on official visits and made strong pitches.
Texas Tech’s victory in this recruitment would be a testament to the relentless efforts of Head Coach Joey McGuire and his staff, particularly offensive line coach Clay McGuire (no relation). Joey McGuire, known for his deep ties to Texas high school football, has consistently preached a philosophy of building the program with in-state talent and creating a genuine, player-first culture in Lubbock. While Texas Tech has seen recent recruiting successes under McGuire, landing a five-star prospect of Ojo’s caliber would be a historic achievement for the program, potentially marking their highest-ranked commit since ESPN began ranking high school prospects in 2006.
Initial reports circulating after Ojo’s commitment on July 4, 2025, quickly highlighted the significant role of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in his decision. It was widely reported that Ojo’s commitment came upon signing a massive $5.1 million revenue-share contract spanning three years, according to ESPN. Such a deal, made possible by recent federal settlements allowing programs to directly pay athletes, is believed to be one of the largest fully guaranteed NIL agreements in college football history for a high school recruit.
This astronomical figure immediately ignited debate across the college football world. For Texas Tech, it demonstrates an aggressive and committed approach to leveraging NIL to attract elite talent, a strategy that many programs are now embracing to compete with traditional powerhouses. For critics, it raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such deals and the potential for “pay-for-play” to overshadow traditional recruiting factors like coaching, development, and cultural fit.
Ohio State, one of the programs that missed out on Ojo, reportedly has a more cautious approach to big-money NIL offers for recruits, prioritizing players who are drawn to the program for reasons beyond just immediate financial gain. This difference in philosophy might explain why a talent like Ojo, who wasn’t initially seen as a primary target for Texas Tech, ultimately chose the Red Raiders.
Should his commitment indeed be to Texas Tech, Felix Ojo would immediately become the cornerstone of their 2026 recruiting class and a transformative player for their program.
- Generational Talent at a Key Position: Offensive tackle is one of the most crucial positions in modern football. Ojo’s size, length, and athleticism give him the potential to be a franchise left tackle, protecting the quarterback’s blind side and paving the way for the running game.
- Elevating the Program’s Ceiling: Landing a five-star prospect like Ojo immediately raises the profile of Texas Tech’s football program. It sends a message to other recruits that Lubbock is a legitimate destination for elite talent and that the Red Raiders are serious about competing at the highest levels of college football.
- Building the Trenches: Under Joey McGuire, Texas Tech has emphasized building through the offensive and defensive lines. Ojo’s commitment provides a massive boost to their efforts to fortify the trenches, which is essential for success in the newly expanded and highly physical Big 12.
- In-State Stunner: Beating out the Texas Longhorns for an in-state five-star offensive lineman is a huge victory for Joey McGuire’s staff. It demonstrates their ability to compete head-to-head with the state’s flagship program and secure top talent that many assumed was destined for Austin.
Ojo’s commitment to Texas Tech will have significant ripple effects across the 2026 recruiting cycle.
- Texas Longhorns: While the Longhorns later secured a commitment from five-star IOL John Turntine III shortly after Ojo’s announcement, missing out on Ojo (who was a primary offensive tackle target) means they will likely re-evaluate their remaining offensive tackle board for 2026.
- Texas Tech’s Class Ranking: Landing Ojo immediately skyrockets Texas Tech’s 2026 recruiting class ranking. This monumental commitment positions them to potentially achieve one of their highest-ranked classes in program history, attracting more high-level recruits to Lubbock.
- NIL Debates Intensify: Ojo’s reported $5.1 million NIL deal will undoubtedly reignite discussions and debates about the role of money in college football recruiting, further pushing the boundaries of what is considered “normal” in the NIL landscape.
All eyes will be on Felix Ojo’s announcement at 1:00 PM CST today. Should the predictions hold true, it will be a defining moment for Texas Tech football and a powerful testament to the evolving dynamics of college football recruiting in the NIL era.
