Nation's No. 1 Recruit Sets Record Straight on NIL Expectations After Texas Tech Visit

Nation's No. 1 Recruit Sets Record Straight on NIL Expectations After Texas Tech Visit originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

In just a few weeks, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have taken full advantage of the new rules for player compensation in college sports.

Take Class of 2026 offensive tackle Felix Ojo's situation, for example.

He committed to the Red Raiders on July 4, three days after the terms of the House settlement, which promise to radically transform college sports, went into effect. According to ESPN's Eli Lederman, Ojo and Texas Tech agreed on a fully guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million revenue-sharing contract.

In the days since, the program has quickly gone all in on more prospective recruits, including Class of 2027 edge LaDamion Guyton, who, after a visit with Texas Tech on June 22, clarified his compensation expectations while talking to Rivals' Chad Simmons.

“My goal is to get to the NFL, so it is not about me going to the highest bidder with NIL, but to go play for someone who can help me get there and make a lot of money," Guyton said. "Money matters to us all, and I want to help my family, but development comes first.”

Guyton has become one of the most sought recruits in the 2027 class. Rivals lists him as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 player in the nation.

Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated 134 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 16 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles in 20 games for Savannah Christian.

If making the NFL is that much of a priority, Texas Tech has a relatively rich history of getting players to the next level. It has had 41 players drafted since 2000, and the last first-rounder was outside linebacker Tyree Wilson in 2023.

However, it remains to be seen if the Red Raiders can come out on top in this battle. Guyton also has offers from Georgia, Alabama, Miami and Oregon among others.

Related: Nation's No. 2 QB Predicted to Snub In-State Georgia for Historic College Football Program

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.