Cash Cleveland injury update: Latest on Texas Tech offensive lineman

Texas Tech offensive lineman Cash Cleveland is expected to miss the opening weeks of the 2025 season due to injury, sources tell On3. The former Colorado transfer is recovering from a concussion and offseason surgery. The goal is for Cleveland to be back in the mix by Week 3 against Oregon State on Sept. 13.

Cleveland entered the transfer portal in April after emerging as one of the top true freshman offensive linemen in the country. According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-2, 305-pound lineman played 315 offensive snaps and allowed only one sack and three total pressures overall on the season.

He became the first walk-on in Colorado history to start at center last fall, too. An On3 2024 true freshman All-American team selection, he’s expected to be a key depth piece for the Texas Tech offensive line this fall. Rising redshirt sophomore Sheridan Wilson is set to start at center for the Red Raiders.

Cleveland played in six games as a true freshman for the Buffaloes, making starts in each of the final four games.

“It was awesome,” Cleveland said last year following his game action as a walk-on. “I always stay prepared. I study a lot of film. In meetings, I’m always 100% focused and locked in, and I study like I’m a first-string (player), so when my number got called, I was ready for the moment. Didn’t blink at all.”

Cash Cleveland has three seasons of eligibility remaining at Texas Tech. His 77.5 grade as a pass blocker last season, per PFF, ranked fifth nationally among underclassmen centers nationally and fourth among those in a power conference.

Texas Tech opens the 2025 season on Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.