Texas Tech Football Kicks Off Spring Practice

Coach McGuire discusses standout players, Micah Hudson's return, and team captains

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Texas Tech held its first open spring practice, with head coach Joey McGuire recapping the day's events. McGuire highlighted strong performances from players like Cam Dickey, J'Koby Williams, and Malik Esquerra, as well as the return of walk-on-turned-scholarship player Micah Hudson. The coach also announced the selection of Ben Roberts and Sheridan Wilson as team captains for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Texas Tech is looking to build on a successful 2025 season, and these early spring practices will be crucial in establishing the team's identity and preparing for the upcoming year. The return of Micah Hudson and the selection of team captains provide insight into the program's culture and leadership.

The details

During the first practice, Coach McGuire was pleased with the team's execution, communication, and effort, despite being in helmets and spiders rather than full pads. He highlighted standout performances from players like Cam Dickey, J'Koby Williams, Howard Sampson, Jacob Ponton, Adam Trick, and Malik Esquerra. McGuire also praised the physical transformation of linebackers John Curry, Austin Romaine, and Ben Roberts, who he jokingly referred to as "Thor's triplets".

  • Texas Tech held its first open practice to media on March 11, 2026.
  • The team will hold another similar practice on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Joey McGuire

The head coach of the Texas Tech football team, leading the program since 2025.

Micah Hudson

A Texas Tech football player who walked on to the team last year and was recently put back on scholarship.

Ben Roberts

A four-year starting player for Texas Tech who was selected as a team captain for the 2026 season.

Sheridan Wilson

A three-year starting player for Texas Tech who was selected as a team captain for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I think first time you get out there and you're not totally in full pads, we're in helmets and spiders today. So you want to see how you're going to execute the offense communication, same way with the defense, how they're going to execute, how they're going to communicate.”

— Joey McGuire, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Micah (Hudson)'s a really good story. I didn't tell it last year, and I can say it now. But what people don't understand is Micah Hudson walked on last year. He was not on scholarship. We just put him back on scholarship in January.”

— Joey McGuire, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Yeah, man, that was cool. What's cool about both those guys (Ben Roberts & Sheridan Wilson) is they committed to tech and loved this university before I ever got here.”

— Joey McGuire, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The team will hold another similar practice on Thursday, March 13, 2026, as they continue to prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Texas Tech's spring practices are off to a promising start, with the team showcasing strong effort and execution despite being in the early stages of preparation. The return of Micah Hudson and the selection of Ben Roberts and Sheridan Wilson as team captains highlight the program's depth and leadership, which will be crucial as the Red Raiders look to build on their success in 2025.