Texas Tech is never in a position to turn away promising edge rushers. What's more, after a 2024 season that saw that position group massively underperform, the Red Raiders are desperate to upgrade the pass-rushing talent on the roster.
One name Texas Tech fans need to know is Nebraska edge Princewill Umanmielen. That's because head coach Joey McGuire and Co. are reportedly battling some of college football's heavy hitters for his services.
According to Hayes Fawcett, transfer portal reporter for On3Sports, the Red Raiders are in a battle with Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Auburn, LSU, and Florida State for Umanmielen. Fawcett also reports that Umanmielen already has visits to Ole Miss and A&M set up in the upcoming days.
NEWS: Nebraska Transfer EDGE Princewill Umanmielen tells @on3sports these schools are standing out as transfer options:
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 10, 2024
Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida State, Texas Tech, LSU, & Texas A&M
He’s visiting Ole Miss Dec 12-13 & Texas A&M the 13-14https://t.co/mPBnqjAwWZ pic.twitter.com/u3tZf3xtE3
Umanmielen was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2023. What's interesting, though, is that he is from Manor, Texas, the same hometown as Texas Tech star running back Tahj Brooks.
Coming out of high school, he was rated the No. 28 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 51 overall player in Texas. He had offers from Nebraska, Florida, Arkansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Ole Miss, TCU, Tech, Utah, Washington, and others.
As a true freshman, Umanmielen appeared in 11 games for the Cornhuskers. He was credited with 22 tackles (five for loss) and 1.0 sacks.
This season, he saw action in 12 games. He made 13 tackles (three for loss) and 0.5 sacks.
Meanwhile, in 2024, Tech had no edge rusher amass more than the 3.5 sacks that Terrell Tilmon came up with. However, key players at that position such as Dylan Spencer and Joseph Adedire (who were both expected to challenge for starting jobs) miss the entire season. What's more, in-season injuries cost regular contributors such as Ameir Washington and Harvey Dyson III multiple games as well. Thus, the hope is that better health will lead to better results in 2025.
Still, Tech certainly needs to add more talent at edge rusher. Getting pressure on the QB was a massive problem in 2024 and it will continue to be that way if new blood isn't infused into the program. That's why the Red Raiders are going toe-to-toe with some big-time programs to try to land Umanmielen.