Every fall camp, it seems as if at least one Texas Tech football player emerges from out of nowhere to make a name for himself. This year, that could be offensive lineman D'Anthis Upshaw, who is challenging Hunter Zambrano for the starting left guard job.
According to offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich, the left guard battle is unsettled with the season just over two weeks away.
"We've had a little bit of a left guard competition," Leftwich said Wednesday, "between Hunter Zambrano and D'Anthis Upshaw. I think both of those guys are competing really well, and it's elevated both of their play.
Texas Tech fans should be excited about either left guard option
Regardless of who ultimately takes this starting spot, Texas Tech will be in a great position. That's because both Zambrano and Upshaw have size and talent at their disposal.
Zambrano was the favorite to be the starter throughout the offseason. After missing all but three games last season due to injury, the former transfer from Illinois State is healthy, and most assumed he would nail down a starting job this fall. After all, Zambrano was the No. 1 right tackle in the 2024-25 portal.
However, Tech is set at tackle with Howard Sampson and Jacob Ponton returning at right and left tackle, respectively, after each started every game for Tech a season ago. Thus, Zambrano moved to guard to increase his chances of finding playing time this year.
Upshaw has had a different story in Lubbock. Not a prized recruit, he arrived as a 0-star recruit who held no offers from any other Power-4 programs.
In 2024, the Irving, Texas native redshirted, but last season, he cracked the two-deep as a backup. He saw action in eight games, with 103 of his 124 total snaps being at left tackle.
Both Zambrano and Upshaw are known for having a nasty streak, something that is useful for a guard. Now, they are battling it out to see who will earn the starting job. Both will likely be called upon at critical moments this season due to the likelihood of an injury along the offensive line. Fortunately, each seems ready to play at the Big 12 level, and that is great news for the depth of an important position group.
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