Texas Tech Red Raiders star running back Tahj Brooks has sent shockwaves through the college football world with a major announcement that has not only stunned fans but also caught head coach Joey McGuire completely off guard. After a record-setting season and a campaign that elevated him into the national spotlight, Brooks revealed on Friday that he will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of college eligibility.
The news came as a surprise, not necessarily because of Brooks’ talent—he’s widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the country—but because many expected him to return for one more season to cement his legacy and chase more records in Lubbock. But the 5’10”, 230-pound powerhouse has decided it’s time to take the next step in his football journey.
A Legacy Sealed in Scarlet and Black
Tahj Brooks’ journey with Texas Tech has been nothing short of legendary. The Manor, Texas native has climbed the ranks year after year, emerging as a workhorse and fan favorite. In the 2024 season, he led the Big 12 in rushing yards, finishing with over 1,600 yards on the ground and 14 touchdowns. His punishing running style, combined with surprising agility and vision, made him nearly impossible to stop. By midseason, Brooks was firmly on the radar of NFL scouts and even drew some early Heisman Trophy buzz.
Brooks became the first Texas Tech running back in over two decades to rush for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and finished his Red Raiders career among the program’s top three all-time rushers. His impact went beyond just stats—he brought an edge and intensity that changed the identity of the Texas Tech offense.
The Announcement
In a heartfelt video posted on his social media pages Friday morning, Brooks thanked Red Raider Nation, his coaches, teammates, and family. Sitting in front of a montage of career highlights and moments in the locker room, Brooks said:
“I came to Texas Tech as a kid with a dream—to play the game I love, to represent this university with everything I have. I’ve given my heart on that field every single Saturday. Now, it’s time to chase the next chapter. I’m declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.”
The message, while hopeful and inspiring, left a wave of emotions rippling through the Red Raider community. Within minutes, fans flooded social media with messages of support, appreciation, and yes, even surprise.
Joey McGuire Reacts: “Wow… I Didn’t See That Coming”
Perhaps the most notable reaction came from head coach Joey McGuire, who admitted during an impromptu press conference that Brooks’ decision caught him off guard.
“Wow… I didn’t see that coming,” McGuire said with a wry smile. “We’d talked about the possibility, sure, but he’s such a competitor. I thought there was a real chance he’d want to run it back one more time. That said, I couldn’t be prouder of him. Tahj is everything you want in a Red Raider—tough, loyal, relentless.”
McGuire also acknowledged the massive shoes that will now need to be filled.
“Replacing Tahj Brooks is no easy task. He’s been the heartbeat of this team. But this is what we prepare for. This is why we recruit hard, coach hard, and build depth.”
What This Means for Texas Tech
With Brooks officially heading to the NFL, attention now shifts to who will carry the torch in the Red Raiders backfield. Sophomore Cam’Ron Valdez and redshirt freshman Bryson Donnell are expected to compete for the starting job. Both have shown flashes of brilliance in limited action, but neither has had to carry the workload that Brooks shouldered the last two seasons.
Texas Tech also has a strong incoming recruiting class, and McGuire hinted that the transfer portal could be an option to supplement the running back room.
“We’re going to be aggressive. We’ve got talent, no doubt—but we also want experience,” McGuire said. “There’s only one Tahj Brooks, but this program doesn’t stop moving forward.”
NFL Outlook for Brooks
As for Brooks’ NFL future, the consensus is that he could be a second or third-round pick, depending on how he tests during the pre-draft process. Analysts praise his north-south running style, elite balance, and durability.
“Brooks is a plug-and-play starter in the right system,” said ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid. “He’s got that Alvin Kamara-type ability to bounce off tackles and wear down defenses. Coaches love his toughness.”