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Top 2027 Recruit Reconsiders Texas Tech Commitment After Coaching Change
Five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster expresses uncertainty following departure of defensive line coach.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Texas Tech is coming off a breakthrough 12-2 season and its first College Football Playoff appearance, largely due to a stifling defense. The Red Raiders landed a commitment from five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster, the No. 1 player in the 2027 recruiting class. However, after defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch left the program, Brewster expressed uncertainty about his commitment, raising concerns among fans and analysts. Though Brewster's family has since downplayed any imminent flip, the Red Raiders' hire of a new defensive line coach will be crucial in solidifying his commitment.
Why it matters
Jalen Brewster is a foundational recruit for Texas Tech as they look to build on their recent success. Losing him would be a major blow, as the Red Raiders' elite defense was central to their breakthrough 2025 season. Maintaining stability on the coaching staff is key to keeping top recruits like Brewster committed.
The details
After Texas Tech's 12-2 season and CFP appearance, five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster, the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class, expressed uncertainty about his commitment following the departure of defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch. Brewster said he had 'other schools that're in the mix now' and was no longer 'solid' with Texas Tech. However, Brewster's family has since downplayed any serious concerns about him flipping, emphasizing that his relationship with the program and coaching staff remains intact. The Red Raiders' hire of a new defensive line coach will be crucial in reinforcing Brewster's commitment.
- Texas Tech finished the 2025 season with a 12-2 record and made the College Football Playoff.
- Defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch announced he was leaving Texas Tech in February 2026.
- Jalen Brewster, the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class, expressed uncertainty about his commitment to Texas Tech in February 2026.
The players
Jalen Brewster
A five-star defensive lineman and the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class, who initially committed to Texas Tech but expressed uncertainty about his commitment after the departure of the defensive line coach.
Zarnell Fitch
The former defensive line coach at Texas Tech, who departed the program in February 2026.
Ben Roberts
A Texas Tech linebacker who celebrated with teammates after making an interception during the 2025 season.
What they’re saying
“'Nah, we don't know who the new d-line coach is, but I have other schools that're in the mix now,'”
— Jalen Brewster
“'No,'”
— Jalen Brewster
What’s next
The Texas Tech Red Raiders will need to hire a new defensive line coach, and that decision will be crucial in reinforcing Jalen Brewster's commitment to the program.
The takeaway
Maintaining stability on the coaching staff is key for Texas Tech in keeping top recruits like Jalen Brewster committed, as coaching changes can naturally lead to uncertainty even for elite prospects. The Red Raiders will need to make the right hire to solidify Brewster's commitment and build on their breakthrough 2025 season.
