Texas Tech lands major 5-star edge rusher

Hayden Victoria

Texas Tech lands major 5-star edge rusher  image

Texas Tech has landed one of the top recruits in the 2027 class on Thursday. Benedictine Military School’s LaDamion Guyton, one of the nation’s most coveted recruits and the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2027 Rivals Industry Ranking, sent shockwaves through college football recruiting circles by announcing his commitment to Texas Tech over traditional powerhouses such as Georgia, Alabama, and Florida State.

Guyton revealed his decision Thursday afternoon at the Benedictine gym, capping a recruitment that had drawn intense interest nationwide. Rated as a five-star EDGE and the top player in Georgia, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound junior is recognized for his elite pass-rushing skills and explosive first step. After two dominant seasons at Savannah Christian -- where he tallied 33 tackles for loss and played beside Five-Star Plus+ standout Elijah Griffin -- Guyton transferred to Benedictine seeking greater competition and exposure.

“It was the consistency and the family feel,” Guyton said to Sports Illustrated, describing why he chose Texas Tech over Georgia, which was widely considered the early favorite. “I just feel like I can start a great thing at the program, and I’m ready to be a part of it.” Texas Tech’s aggressive recruiting push and willingness to prioritize top-tier talent played a pivotal role in securing the commitment of the consensus top-two national prospect.

Guyton’s rare combination of production and physical tools makes him a game-changing defender. Scouting reports describe him as an “explosive, powerful pass rusher with elite bend around the edge,” who routinely disrupts offenses with his speed-to-power ability and relentless motor. While his frame and finishing in the backfield remain areas for refinement, coaches and analysts consider him among the best EDGE prospects to emerge in recent years.

Georgia had established itself early in Guyton’s recruitment, being the first school to offer and maintain close contact. However, in recent weeks, momentum shifted toward the Red Raiders. Guyton’s commitment marks a significant coup for Texas Tech, which has ramped up investment in high-profile recruits and seeks to contend nationally.

As Guyton leads Benedictine into a challenging 2025 schedule -- highlighted by a state playoff rematch with Buford -- his presence on the field and his headline-grabbing commitment are expected to keep him in the national spotlight well into his senior year and beyond.

Hayden Victoria

Hayden Victoria is the founding CEO of Texas Sports Network and currently serves as Head of Content at SEC Unfiltered while contributing to USA TODAY’s Longhorns Wire. A proud student at the University of Texas at Austin, he has been credentialed to cover premier events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship, and NFL Combine.