A high school junior edge rusher just redefined what’s possible in college football recruiting. LaDamion Guyton, the nation’s top-rated prospect in the class of 2027, chose Texas Tech recently with a deal that places him among the sport’s highest-paid players before he even steps on campus.
The financial terms reveal just how dramatically the landscape has shifted for elite high school athletes, and Guyton’s commitment signals the Red Raiders are playing at a completely different level.
How Much Will LaDamion Guyton Earn During His Texas Tech Career?
According to the 2027 Rivals300’s No. 1 recruit, sources expect Guyton to finalize a multi-year agreement with Texas Tech to make him one of the highest-paid edge rushers in college football.
The financial breakdown shows the scale of this commitment. Sources project the 6’3″, 240-pound pass rusher to earn roughly $900,000 as a freshman. Per On3, Guyton is expected to make $1.2 million in his sophomore season and $1.4 million as a junior. The deal’s total value is anticipated to reach $3.5 million across his college career.
BREAKING: Five-Star EDGE LaDamion Guyton has Committed to Texas Tech, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’3 235 EDGE from Savannah, GA chose the Red Raiders over Georgia, Tennessee, & Florida State
He’s the No. 1 Recruit in the ’27 Class (per Rivals)https://t.co/h8kiSLVzl7 pic.twitter.com/2z5jarSb4a
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 7, 2025
These figures place Guyton alongside some of the sport’s elite defenders in terms of compensation. Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons and South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart occupy similar financial territory, with On3 reporting that Stewart’s compensation will surpass $1.5 million this season.
Guyton’s production has justified the investment. In 20 varsity contests, he has recorded 134 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks. Those numbers show why programs were willing to make such substantial financial commitments for his services.
Why Did Texas Tech Win the Battle for Guyton Over Traditional Powers?
The Savannah, Georgia, product chose Texas Tech over Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida State, highlighting the Red Raiders’ growing influence in elite recruiting circles. Speaking to ESPN, Guyton praised Texas Tech’s approach during his visits and explained what separated them from the competition.
“They do a very good job of making you feel like you’re one of their players already when you’re in the building,” Guyton said. “It’s a feeling that draws you in. They have things going in the right direction, and it’s exciting knowing I’m going to be part of that someday.”
MORE: Parking Lot Chat With QB Commit Led LaDamion Guyton to $3.5M Texas Tech Commitment
Although he cannot officially sign for another 16 months, Guyton’s decision caps off a remarkable summer for head coach Joey McGuire and general manager James Blanchard. His commitment follows five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo’s decision to join the Red Raiders on July 4, when he chose them over Texas and Ohio State despite not including them in his initial top-four.
Texas Tech has been aggressive in roster construction across multiple avenues. The Red Raiders brought in 21 players during the winter and spring transfer periods, adding experienced talent to complement their recruiting success.
Notable newcomers include LB Romello Height (Georgia Tech), DLs David Bailey (Stanford) and Lee Hunter (UCF), and FCS All-America safety Cole Wisniewski (North Dakota State).
On the high school recruiting front, momentum has been building steadily. Since June 1, the Red Raiders have secured nine commitments in the 2026 class, with Ojo’s seven-figure deal serving as another example of their willingness to invest heavily in elite talent.
