According to Chris Level of the Texas Tech football radio broadcast pregame show, the Red Raiders will be missing three key defensive players tonight vs. Abilene Christian. That includes two starters.
Starting safety Brenden Jordan is out for the first two games of the season with what Level described as a non-football issue. Level didn't elaborate further, leaving fans to wonder if the issue is a suspension or a personal matter.
Jordan is expected to be the quarterback of the secondary this season after a terrific campaign in 2025, his first as a starter. Last fall, he was credited with 59 tackles while picking off a pass. In all, he's appeared in 40 career games, making 115 total tackles.
Also missing the game will be starting outside linebacker Trey White, a transfer from San Diego State. The senior injured his knee in a fall scrimmage but is expected to return to the field soon after being designated week-to-week by head coach Joey McGuire.
White has also played in 40 career games. During that time, he's amassed 19.5 sacks. As a result, many expect him to be the Red Raiders' top pass rusher this season.
Speaking of pass rushers, true freshman LaDamion Guyton is also out for week one, according to Level, who did not say why. However, Level did say that Guyton's issue is not serious.
Fans were amped to see the 2026 signee, who was a 5-star recruit and one of the top players in the nation in high school. He is the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with Tech, but he's just 17 years old after graduating high school a year early to enroll at Texas Tech.
Fortunately, the Red Raiders are not facing a marquee opponent tonight. These three defensive absences shouldn't matter too much in week one. However, it is disappointing to see these defensive stars miss the season opener.
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