Texas Tech LB Justin Horne to enter transfer portal
Texas Tech linebacker Justin Horne has announced his plans to enter the transfer portal, per his X account.
“After taking time to reflect and having honest conversations with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal.
I am extremely grateful for my time at Texas Tech and for the experiences, relationships and memories I gained while representing such a special program.
This decision was not easy, but I believe it is the best step for my personal and athletic growth. I look forward to exploring new opportunities and continuing my journey in college football.
Thank you to my teammates, coaches and the best fans for your support! – Justin Horne”
Horne signed with Texas Tech as a four-star prospect out of New Orleans (LA) John Curtis high school as part of the 2023 class. Horne was committed to Louisiana-Lafayette for several months before flipping to the Red Raiders just days before signing day.
As a true freshman in 2023, Horne saw his only action of the season in the Independence Bowl game vs Cal, totaling eight snaps on special teams but did not record a stat.
As a redshirt freshman in 2024 Horne saw his most extensive action to date, playing in 10 games with 169 special teams snaps and 10 snaps more on defense. He finished the season with four tackles, 0.5 TFL’s and 0.5 sacks.
In 2025 Horne only saw action in one game, with nine special teams snaps in the win at Houston. He did not record a stat.
Horne will have two seasons of eligibility remaining at his next school of choice.
About Texas Tech
The Texas Tech football team beat BYU 34-7 in the 2025 Big 12 Championship Game, earning the program’s first outright conference title since 1955. This title capped off one of the most dominant seasons in Big 12 history, with the team posting an 8-1 conference record and outscoring opponents by an average score of 34-10. The Red Raiders were ranked No. 4 in the final College Football Playoff rankings and will face off against Dan Lanning and the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the Orange Bowl at 11 a.m. CT on Jan. 1, 2026.
Joey McGuire‘s program has the top-ranked class in the 2026 Rivals Industry Team Rankings, checking in at No. 20 nationally with 21 total signees. Texas Tech’s two five-star signees, edge rusher LaDamion Guyton and offensive tackle Felix Ojo, are the most in the Big 12 and tied for the fifth-most in the country. Houston is the only other program in the conference to sign a five-star prospect (quarterback Keisean Henderson).
The Red Raiders will open the 2026 football season at home against Abilene Christian on Sept. 5. The Wildcats are led by Keith Patterson, who served as Texas Tech’s defensive coordinator under Matt Wells from 2019-21.
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