Being 17 years old can be tough for many people. Now, imagine being that age and being paid handsomely to compete against grown men on national television each week. That's what Texas Tech freshman edge rusher LaDamion Guyton is doing this season.
What makes Guyton so special, though, is that he's already thriving for the Red Raiders despite still being too young to vote. In fact, he's starting to open eyes around the nation, not just in Raiderland.
This week, Billy Tucker of ESPN published his list of the top 25 true freshmen in college football thus far in 2026. Guyton checks in at No. 21.
This year, Guyton has forced his way into the Red Raiders' two-deep rotation at defensive end/outside linebacker. Though he isn't holding down a starting spot as many players on Tucker's list are for their teams, he is proving that he is ready to compete at the Power 4 level despite being one of the youngest players in the FBS.
Sure, Guyton's stats are modest when compared to other defensive standouts across the nation. He has been credited with seven tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. However, the fact that he is gaining valuable experience with the Red Raiders and holding his own at a time when he should be preparing for his high school homecoming dance bodes well for his future.
LaDamion Guyton. Learn the name.
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) September 26, 2026
Second sack of the day.
📺 TNT pic.twitter.com/fMCN9IvTlR
Guyton arrived at Texas Tech already ahead of the curve, checking in at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds. Therefore, he didn't need a redshirt year to get his body Big 12-ready as most true freshmen do. He stepped onto campus and immediately looked the part of a collegiate, something even more impressive when we remember that he didn't arrive in Lubbock until August, meaning he didn't get months of work in the Red Raider strength and conditioning program prior to the season.
Guyton has Texas Tech fans salivating at the thought of what he could eventually become in Lubbock. Though he's already full-grown by most adult male standards, he will only get bigger, stronger, and faster as he matures over the next few seasons.
Additionally, his development as a football player is going to be accelerated by the fact that he's spending this season learning at the college level instead of dominating the high school ranks. There wasn't anything else for him to prove or absorb playing against overmatched high school opponents. Instead, the crash course he's getting with the Red Raiders is going to pay dividends next season when he will likely be asked to play a major role on the defense.
Guyton's acclimation to the college game has been one of the most positive developments of 2026 for the Red Raiders. Texas Tech fans who watch closely can see his stardom in the making as each week, he grows more comfortable at this level of football. Now, people around the nation are starting to take notice as well. Before long, everyone will know how special Guyton is.
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