With the Texas Tech football program set to lose 2024 leading receiver Josh Kelly to graduation and 5-star 2024 wide receiver Micah Hudson to the transfer portal, the Red Raiders are trying to turn to the transfer portal to find new pass catchers to help the offense next fall. One name to watch is Nyziah Hunter of Cal.
It is being reported by Pete Nakos of On3 Sports that the redshirt freshman is prepared to take a visit to Lubbock. However, Nakos also reports that Hunter will visit Oklahoma and Nebraska as well.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound California native had a breakout season in 2024. He caught 40 passes for 578 yards and five touchdowns for the Golden Bears.
Coming up with a catch in all 12 games of the regular season, he had a season-high of five against both Wake Forest and SMU. And against the Mustangs, he also racked up a season-high 85 yards, a number he had previously posted against Oregon State.
Averaging 14.5 yards per reception, Hunter was a big-play threat. He even had a 60-yard reception against SMU in the last game of the regular season.
The Red Raiders will be in good shape at wide receiver next year even with the losses of Kelly and Hudson. They will return second-leading receiver Caleb Douglas as well as starting outside receiver Coy Eakin.
In 2024, Douglas caught 55 balls for 762 yards and six TDs (he led the Red Raiders in touchdown catches). Meanwhile, Eakin brought in 45 passes for 605 yards and six TDs himself. He was third on the team in catches and yards and tied for the team lead in TD catches.
Still, if there is an opportunity to add a player of Hunter's abilities, it is worth exploring. And that's what it appears that the Red Raiders are set to do as they do battle with two of the traditional powers in the sport of college football.