Texas Tech Transfer Portal: 3 biggest additions Red Raiders made for 2025 season via winter window ft. Cole Wisniewski

Despite ranking just 39th in the 2025 recruiting class, Texas Tech has set itself up for a strong season. Under the guidance of coach Joey McGuire, the Red Raiders have built momentum with two top-30 recruiting classes in 2023 and 2024.

Adding to this foundation, Texas Tech has been active in the transfer portal, bringing in key players to strengthen the team. Among these, three standouts are poised to make an immediate impact in 2025.

The Red Raiders went 8-4 and 6-3 in the conference this season with notable wins against Iowa State and eventual conference winner Arizona State.

3 biggest additions Red Raiders made for 2025 season

#1. Cole Wisniewski - Safety

North Dakota State safety Cole Wisniewski is one of Texas Tech's most exciting transfer additions for 2025. A highly accomplished defensive back, Wisniewski was an FCS All-American in 2023 after leading all Division I players with eight interceptions.

At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, his size, athleticism and arm length make him an ideal candidate to fill the Red Raiders' boundary safety position.

In his standout 2023 campaign, Wisniewski recorded 98 total tackles in 707 snaps, broke up four passes, and snagged eight interceptions, cementing his reputation as one of the best players at his level.

However, he missed the 2024 season due to injury, but his return for 2025 is highly anticipated. He will step into a key role left vacant by CJ Baskerville, bringing both skill and experience to Texas Tech’s secondary.

#2. Terrance Carter - Tight End

The Red Raiders have added another offensive weapon in Terrance Carter, a tight end transferring from Louisiana with two years of eligibility remaining.

Ranked as the No. 43 overall recruit in the transfer portal and the No. 4 tight end by On3, Carter was a standout for Louisiana in 2024, hauling in 48 receptions for 689 yards and four touchdowns.

His consistency continued from his 2023 redshirt freshman season, where he recorded 28 catches for 255 yards and three scores.

Carter addresses an urgent need at tight end for the Red Raiders, who are losing seniors Jalin Conyers and Mason Tharp.

#3. Skyler Gill-Howard - Defensive Tackle

Northern Illinois defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard is another key addition to Texas Tech’s 2025 roster. Gill-Howard, a 6-foot-1, 285-pound standout, committed to the Red Raiders during his visit to Lubbock.

Gill-Howard played three seasons at Northern Illinois, registering 52 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks in 2024. He earned third-team All-MAC honors this past season and had a standout performance in the Huskies’ upset win over Notre Dame, recording four tackles.

Texas Tech wasted no time in pursuing Gill-Howard after he entered the portal. As he said via Rivals.com:

“Texas Tech was the first one to reach out when I officially hit the portal, and then FSU directly after them.”

With one year of eligibility remaining, Gill-Howard is expected to anchor the Red Raiders’ defensive line in 2025.