David Bailey and several Texas Tech football players are projected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft after a historic season. The Red Raiders are expected to have a record number of players drafted this weekend.
Key points
David Bailey is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft
Texas Tech had its first Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance
Several players from Texas Tech are expected to be drafted
Mock drafts from multiple outlets provide predictions
Texas Tech Red RaidersDavid BaileyJacob RodriguezLee Hunger
That's the question for Red Raider fans across the country. After a historic campaign that saw Texas Tech earn its first Big 12 Conference title and College Football Playoff appearance in program history, a record number of Red Raiders could come off the board this weekend.
Joining Bailey on the list of projected picks includes Jacob Rodriguez, Lee Hunger, Caleb Douglas, Reggie Virgil, Skyler Gill-Howard and plenty of others hoping to have their names called. Who will wind up in the NFL? Here's a rundown of mock drafts that sheds some light on the matter.
Mock drafts were compiled from the following outlets/prognosticators: Jordan Reid, ESPN; Dane Brugler, The Athletic; Mike Renner, CBS Sports (first 3 rounds); and Chad Reuter, NFL.com.
Texas Tech's David Bailey looks to the sideline during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Q&A
What is the projected draft position for David Bailey in the 2026 NFL Draft?
David Bailey's exact draft position is not specified, but he is among the top prospects from Texas Tech.
Which Texas Tech football players are expected to be drafted in 2026?
Alongside David Bailey, players like Jacob Rodriguez, Lee Hunger, Caleb Douglas, and Reggie Virgil are projected to be drafted.
What historic achievements did Texas Tech football accomplish this season?
Texas Tech earned its first Big 12 Conference title and made its first College Football Playoff appearance.
Which outlets provided mock draft predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Mock drafts were compiled from outlets including ESPN, The Athletic, CBS Sports, and NFL.com.
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Texas Tech's David Bailey looks to the sideline during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
NFL.com: First round, No. 3 overall to Arizona Cardinals
The Athletic: First round, No. 4 to Tennessee Titans
CBS Sports: First round, No. 2 overall to New York Jets
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez celebrates an interception against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez celebrates an interception against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech's Lee Hunter runs to the sideline after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech's Lee Hunter runs to the sideline after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
CBS Sports: Third round, No. 97 to Minnesota Vikings
Texas Tech's Behren Morton and Reggie Virgil celebrate their touchdown connection against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech's Behren Morton and Reggie Virgil celebrate their touchdown connection against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
The Athletic: Fifth round, No. 155 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Texas Tech's Caleb Douglas looks on after making a play against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech's Caleb Douglas looks on after making a play against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
NFL.com: Fifth round, No. 141 overall to Houston Texans
The Athletic: Seventh round, No. 222 to Detroit Lions
Other Texas Tech football players who could be drafted
Below is a list of Texas Tech football players who could find their way into the draft or sign undrafted free agent deals along with their NFL Mock Draft Database composite rankings.