LUBBOCK, TX – In what is already being called a pivotal moment in the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, elite two-way star Jireh Edwards — one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation — has officially committed to Texas Tech University. The 6-foot, 195-pound phenom from Duncanville, Texas, chose the Red Raiders over a loaded field of national powerhouses including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, USC, and Texas A&M. Edwards made the announcement on Thursday night via a live broadcast on 247Sports and confirmed his commitment on social media with a heartfelt message and the simple but powerful statement: “It felt like home.”
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A Massive Win for Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders
With his commitment, Edwards becomes one of the highest-rated recruits to ever pledge to Texas Tech. Currently ranked in the top 50 of the 247Sports Composite rankings and listed as the No. 4 safety in the country (and a top-10 athlete overall), Edwards’ impact cannot be overstated. Known for his explosive speed, high football IQ, physical tackling, and ability to dominate both sides of the ball, Edwards is projected to be an instant difference-maker in Lubbock.
Head coach Joey McGuire, known for his relentless energy and Texas recruiting ties, called the commitment “a program-defining moment.”
> “We’ve been working hard to build something special here at Texas Tech,” McGuire said in a post-commitment interview. “Jireh’s commitment means more than just a star ranking — it’s about the kind of culture and future we’re building. He’s elite on the field, but he’s an even better person. Texas Tech just got a whole lot better today.”
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Why Texas Tech?
For Edwards, the decision wasn’t just about football — it was about family, faith, and feeling a genuine connection to the Red Raider culture.
> “I’ve visited a lot of places, talked to a lot of coaches. They all had great facilities, great programs. But Texas Tech was different,” Edwards shared. “Coach McGuire treated me like family from day one. The staff believed in me not just as an athlete, but as a young man. When I was on that visit, I didn’t feel like a recruit — I felt like a Red Raider.”
Edwards was particularly impressed with Tech’s revamped strength and conditioning program, academic support system, and the opportunity to make an early impact in defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter’s aggressive scheme.
> “They showed me the film. They showed me how I fit. And I believed it,” Edwards said. “I want to help turn this program into a national contender. That starts now.”
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A Two-Way Threat With NFL Potential
Though he is expected to play safety at the collegiate level, Edwards’ high school career has been nothing short of sensational on both sides of the ball. As a junior at Duncanville, Edwards racked up over 85 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles on defense — while also rushing for over 1,100 yards and 18 touchdowns as a running back. His rare versatility, football IQ, and elite athleticism have led several scouts to compare him to former NFL Pro Bowlers like Tyrann Mathieu and Jamal Adams.
> “He’s a ball hawk with a running back’s vision and explosiveness,” said national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins. “He’s not just a top safety — he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the entire 2025 class.”
Texas Tech reportedly gave Edwards the freedom to explore both offense and defense, though sources inside the program confirm that he will be primarily developed as a starting safety with the option to contribute on special packages and special teams as a return man.
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Reaction From the College Football World
Edwards’ decision to commit to Texas Tech sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape. Analysts across major recruiting outlets have described the move as “massive,” “culture-changing,” and “a statement to the rest of the Big 12 and beyond.”
Rivals’ recruiting expert Adam Gorney wrote:
> “Texas Tech just landed a top-50 national player at a position of need. That’s not just a win — that’s a warning to everyone else in the Big 12.”
Multiple national programs had been pushing hard for Edwards. Alabama defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson had made Edwards a priority since spring evaluations, while Michigan flew Edwards and his family up for a multi-day official visit filled with meetings and NIL pitches. Even with the pressure and offers rolling in, Edwards stayed focused and took his time before making his final decision.
His father, former college linebacker Michael Edwards, explained the family’s approach:
> “We prayed about this. We talked it through as a family. Jireh had amazing options, but at the end of the day, he chose the school that chose him — not just for football, but for who he is. We’re proud of that.”
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Impact on Texas Tech’s 2025 Recruiting Class
Edwards’ commitment catapults Texas Tech’s 2025 class into the national spotlight. The Red Raiders are now projected to have a top-10 class, with several elite prospects already in the fold and more expected to follow Edwards’ lead.
Among those rumored to be close to committing are 4-star linebacker Tyrone Baskins (DeSoto, TX), 5-star wideout Jordan Melton (Houston, TX), and 4-star cornerback Adonis Graves (Fort Worth, TX), all of whom are close friends with Edwards and were seen visiting campus together this past weekend.
> “This is the type of recruit that draws others,” said recruiting insider Josh Newberg. “Texas Tech is officially in the big boy conversation now. They’re not just surviving — they’re hunting.”
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A Message To Red Raider Nation
To cap off his announcement, Edwards recorded a video addressed directly to Texas Tech fans. Wearing the scarlet and black and standing on the field at Jones AT&T Stadium, he looked straight into the camera and delivered a message that lit up social media:
> “Lubbock, I’m coming home. Let’s make history. Guns up forever.”
Within hours, his commitment post had been shared by former Red Raiders like Patrick Mahomes, Zach Thomas, and Jordyn Brooks — all praising the young star and welcoming him to the Texas Tech family.
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Final Thoughts
In an era where recruiting battles are increasingly shaped by NIL money, media campaigns, and brand prestige, Jireh Edwards’ commitment stands as a powerful reminder of what truly matters to some of the best athletes: family, faith, and fit.
Texas Tech didn’t just land a top 50 prospect today — they secured a leader, a tone-setter, and possibly a future All-American.
Time will tell how high Jireh Edwards can soar in Lubbock, but for now, one thing is certain: the Red Raiders just won the recruiting war of the summer, and a new chapter in Texas Tech football has begun.
Guns up.
