Texas Tech fans have every reason to celebrate as the Red Raiders have secured a major victory on the recruiting trail. In a stunning turn of events, the program has landed the commitment of five-star quarterback phenom Jordan “J.J.” Matthews, a highly sought-after prospect who had been heavily pursued by powerhouse programs LSU, Georgia, and Florida State. Matthews, ranked among the top three quarterbacks in the nation for the 2026 recruiting class, announced his decision late Thursday night, choosing Texas Tech over more traditional contenders in a move that is already sending shockwaves through the college football landscape.
Head coach Joey McGuire, who has been working tirelessly to elevate Texas Tech into a perennial Big 12 contender, now has one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the country headed to Lubbock. Matthews, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback out of St. Augustine High School in Florida, has drawn comparisons to some of the most dynamic college signal-callers of the last decade thanks to his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays with his legs. His combination of talent and leadership is expected to immediately change the trajectory of Texas Tech’s offensive future.
The Red Raiders’ coaching staff had been pursuing Matthews for over a year, building a strong relationship with the young quarterback and his family. According to sources close to the program, McGuire’s vision for the team’s offensive identity played a key role in securing the commitment. Matthews was reportedly impressed by the program’s evolving offensive system and the opportunity to start early in his college career, something that other schools could not guarantee. With Texas Tech’s reputation for producing high-octane offenses, the fit seemed natural.
This commitment also serves as a statement win for the Red Raiders on the national recruiting stage. Traditionally, Texas Tech has had to compete with the likes of Oklahoma, Texas, and other blue-blood programs for elite talent. Securing a commitment over SEC and ACC giants like LSU, Georgia, and Florida State marks a significant milestone for McGuire’s tenure. It signals that Texas Tech is no longer content with being a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 team but is determined to compete at the highest levels of college football.
For Matthews, the decision was about more than just football. He has spoken openly about his desire to build something special rather than simply join an already established powerhouse. At Texas Tech, he sees the chance to make history and lead a program into a new era of success. Analysts believe his arrival could also influence other top recruits to consider Lubbock as a destination, potentially leading to one of the best recruiting classes in school history.
The addition of Matthews is expected to have an immediate impact on the Red Raiders’ future quarterback room. With current starter Behren Morton expected to depart for the NFL after the 2025 season, Matthews will likely compete for the starting role as a freshman. His skill set fits perfectly with Texas Tech’s evolving offensive scheme, which relies on quick reads, explosive vertical passing, and creative run-pass options. The buzz around the program is already growing, and expectations for the future are soaring.
As the dust settles on this recruiting battle, one thing is clear: Texas Tech football is no longer flying under the radar. With McGuire’s leadership, a talented roster, and now one of the top quarterbacks in the nation joining the fold, the Red Raiders appear poised to challenge for Big 12 supremacy in the coming years. Matthews’ commitment is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a signal that Texas Tech is ready to make a serious push onto the national stage. Fans in Lubbock can dream bigger than ever before, knowing the future of Red Raider football has never looked brighter.
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