Texas Tech heating up on recruiting trail after landing coveted QB and touted OL target

Texas Tech is starting to heat up on the recruiting trail as head coach Joey McGuire and his staff landed commitments from two top targets in the 2026 class on Tuesday in quarterback Stephen Cannon and offensive lineman Jerald Mays.

Out of Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine Military, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Cannon chose the Yellow Jackets over UCF, South Florida, Virginia, Wake Forest and several others.

“As you can see everybody is talking about Texas Tech right now,” Cannon told On3. “It’s definitely a program on the rise even more than we are right now and I think we’re on track to win a lot of championships in the near future.”

Cannon has dual-threat ability and the traits to shine in the Red Raiders offensive attack.

“It’s the fit and the offense and the community,” Cannon said. “I think my play style fits what they run at Texas Tech. They talked me through my plan and how they see me coming in and my plan for the future and also the people there. 

“The facilities are amazing and stadium and everything is great, but even if that wasn’t there the coaches and people in the community are amazing and that’s the main reason I chose Texas Tech.”

Mays chose Texas Tech over SMU and several others. He was one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the state. He visited over the weekend.

“I had a great time at Texas Tech,” Mays said. “I see them on an upwards trajectory and I love the coaching staff, the practice had great energy.”

There is a lot of energy around the Red Raiders program right now. The next prospect McGuire, General Manager James Blanchard and company are pushing for is Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley safety Aaron Bradshaw. Texas Tech is trending for him on the On3 RPM.

Cannon and Mays are commits eight and nine for Texas Tech in 2026. A link to who’s already in the fold here.