Texas Tech Focuses on Defense in Latest Recruiting Offers

Red Raiders target top defensive prospects across the country for 2027 class

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas Tech football staff has continued their recruiting efforts, with the latest round of offers focusing on the defensive side of the ball. The Red Raiders have extended offers to several top defensive prospects, including linemen, linebackers, and edge rushers, as they look to build a strong 2027 recruiting class.

Why it matters

Strengthening the defense is a key priority for Texas Tech as they look to improve their performance on that side of the ball. These latest offers demonstrate the coaching staff's commitment to identifying and pursuing top defensive talent to bolster the Red Raiders' roster for the future.

The details

Among the defensive prospects Texas Tech has offered are Tiki Teeples, a 2027 defensive lineman from Arizona; Keaton Wollan, a 2027 linebacker from Wisconsin; Jackson Roper, a 2027 interior offensive lineman from Colorado; Brody Pfannenstiel, a 2027 edge rusher from Kansas; and Mekai Brown, a 2027 edge rusher from Connecticut. The Red Raiders have also offered Kennedee Jackson, a 2027 offensive tackle from Georgia.

  • Texas Tech offered Tiki Teeples on February 16, 2026.
  • Texas Tech offered Keaton Wollan on February 16, 2026.
  • Jackson Roper plans to visit Texas Tech on April 4, 2026.
  • Brody Pfannenstiel plans to visit Texas Tech on April 4, 2026 and June 12-14, 2026.
  • Texas Tech offered Mekai Brown on February 20, 2026.

The players

Tiki Teeples

A 2027 defensive lineman from Canyon View High School in Waddell, Arizona. As a junior, he was named 5A 2nd Team All-State after recording 63 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, 12.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Keaton Wollan

A 2027 linebacker from Amery High School in Wisconsin. As a junior, he recorded 126 tackles, 9 tackles-for-loss, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions, earning him the Middle Border Defensive Player of the Year award.

Jackson Roper

A 2027 interior offensive lineman from Cherry Creek High School in Englewood, Colorado. He is rated as a 4-star prospect, the No. 239 player in the 2027 class, the No. 14 interior lineman, and the No. 1 player in Colorado per the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Brody Pfannenstiel

A 2027 edge rusher from Hoisington High School in Kansas. He is rated as a 3-star prospect, the No. 59 EDGE in his class, and the No. 3 player in the state of Kansas per Rivals.

Mekai Brown

A 2027 edge rusher from Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut. He is rated as a 4-star prospect, the No. 32 overall player in the 2027 class, the No. 5 EDGE, and the best player in the state of Connecticut per Rivals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After a great conversation with Coach Wood and @jkbtjc_53, I am honored and blessed to receive my second Division I offer to play football at Texas Tech.”

— Keaton Wollan (Twitter)

What’s next

Roper and Pfannenstiel have scheduled spring visits to Lubbock in April, while Pfannenstiel also has an official visit planned for June.

The takeaway

Texas Tech's latest recruiting efforts demonstrate a clear focus on strengthening their defense for the future. By targeting top prospects at key positions like defensive line, linebacker, and edge rusher, the Red Raiders are working to build a well-rounded roster that can compete at a high level in the years to come.