Texas Tech has long been known for producing offensive superstars, most notably Patrick Mahomes. But now, the Red Raiders are making history in a whole new way—and it's putting the program at the center of draft conversations across multiple sports.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Texas Tech has become the first school ever to produce the No. 2 overall pick in both the NFL Draft and the AUSL (American Ultimate Soccer League) Draft in the same calendar year. That's a feat no other college program can claim, and it speaks volumes about the depth of talent coming out of Lubbock.
The NFL side of the story features edge rusher David Bailey, who was selected No. 2 overall by the New York Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bailey didn't just make history for his school—he also became the highest-drafted defensive player in Texas Tech history, and the 10th first-round pick overall from the program. Under head coach Joey McGuire, he's the second first-rounder, and he now trails only Dave Parks (No. 1 overall in 1964) in the school's draft lore. For the Jets, Bailey is also their highest-drafted defensive player ever. In his lone 2025 season with the Red Raiders, he was a force: 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks across 14 games.
Just weeks after Bailey's selection, Texas Tech softball star NiJaree Canady matched his draft position. The two-time NFCA Pitcher of the Year was taken No. 2 overall by the Texas Volts in the AUSL College Draft. Canady is a generational talent who led the Red Raiders to their first-ever Women's College World Series championship appearance in 2025, cementing her legacy as one of the best pitchers in college softball history.
Together, Bailey and Canady have reshaped Texas Tech's identity. Once known primarily as a launching pad for quarterbacks like Mahomes, the program is now proving it can develop elite talent on both the gridiron and the diamond. And with Mahomes' legacy still casting a long shadow, the national visibility is only helping recruiting pipelines thrive. Texas Tech isn't just a football school anymore—it's a destination for champions.