Major recruiting shakeup expected, No. 1 player predicted to Big 12 program

His potential commitment is a reflection of college football’s everchanging recruiting landscape with NIL playing a key factor in West Texas.

The 6-foot-3, 225 pound pass rusher’s pending commitment to the Red Raiders likely comes at not just a high price in NIL but also impacts classes at Alabama and Georgia.

It gives Tech the opportunity to be not only a competitive Big 12 program but also signals change in growing competitiveness nationally, beyond perceived recruiting powerhouses.

Guyton, a highly coveted athlete, has been the subject of intense recruitment battles involving several top programs. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability makes him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. Programs like Alabama, known for their recruiting dominance, and Georgia, with their recent national success, have long been favorites to secure his commitment.

However, recent analysis shared by On3 Sports suggests that Texas Tech is emerging as the frontrunner to land Guyton.

NEW: Rivals’ @samspiegs has logged an expert prediction for Texas Tech to land 2027 5-star EDGE LaDamion Guyton🌵

Guyton is Rivals’ No. 1 overall recruit in the 2027 class.

Read: https://t.co/rpvnhTTjEb pic.twitter.com/BrOWdsEQIX

— Rivals (@Rivals) July 7, 2025

This projection is based on various factors including the program’s recent recruiting momentum, the player’s fit within Texas Tech’s system and the relationships built between Guyton and the coaching staff.

Landing Guyton would be a statement for Texas Tech and the Big 12 conference at large, which has been striving to increase its national football profile. The commitment of a top-tier recruit like Guyton would bolster Texas Tech’s roster with immediate impact talent and draw further attention to the program’s growing competitiveness.

Alabama and Georgia, while still heavily involved in the recruitment, face stiff competition as programs outside the traditional SEC powerhouses show increasing ability to attract elite talent.

The Crimson Tide’s 2026 recruiting class remains strong with multiple five-star commitments in the previous few weeks, but losing the nation’s top recruit for 2027 shouldn’t be considered a wash yet.

Recruiting experts highlight the importance of fit and opportunity in Guyton’s decision-making process. Texas Tech’s scheme and the chance for early playing time may outweigh the prestige of joining perennial champions like Alabama or Georgia.

This potential commitment could also influence other top prospects considering Texas Tech, creating a ripple effect that benefits the program in future recruiting cycles.

The Red Raiders ability to attract elite players is crucial as it seeks to compete with the SEC’s recruiting juggernauts. Just this past offseason, coach Joey McGuire’s program were given the funds to land the No. 2 ranked transfer portal class, a haul that most school’s across the country were surprised by.

While nothing is official yet, the prediction that Ladamion Guyton will choose Texas Tech underscores the evolving dynamics of college football recruiting.

Programs outside the traditional powerhouses are increasingly able to compete for and win marquee recruits.

As the 2027 recruiting class continues to take shape in its infancy, observers will closely watch Guyton’s decision.

It’s extremely early to sound the alarm just yet, but if this prediction holds true or Guyton ultimately chooses a different path, the recruiting landscape is undeniably shifting towards parity.