Texas Tech lands major 5-star OT during severe weather delay

Hayden Victoria

Texas Tech lands major 5-star OT during severe weather delay image

During a severe weather delay at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Saturday night, five-star offensive tackle Cooper Hackett announced his commitment to Texas Tech, confirming the news to Rivals amid halftime dominance from the Red Raiders.

Hawyes Fawcett of On3 Sports broke the news around 9:50 p.m. -- while Texas Tech and Arkansas Pine-Bluff were experiencing a severe weather delay. Texas Tech led at the half, 47-0.

Hackett, a 6-foot-7, 265-pound standout from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, chose Texas Tech over Oklahoma, Florida, and Ohio State, reinforcing the Red Raiders’ surging recruiting efforts. He is ranked the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 3 offensive tackle in the 2027 Rivals Industry Rankings.

Texas Tech lands 5-star offensive tackle

Hackett cited Texas Tech’s early interest, successful campus visits, and relationships with the coaching staff as key factors for his decision. Despite offers from national powers, he joins a class already drawing national attention for its star power and depth.

Hackett is known for his combination of athleticism, size, and versatility, excelling on both sides of the line and in high-level basketball. 247Sports scouting analyst Greg Brooks noted this about Hackett back in April: "Very tall, long-armed, big-framed offensive tackle prospect who's quite lean and will need significant mass added in the coming years; certainly possesses the time and the bulking capacity to gain the necessary weight."

Texas Tech's 2027 recruiting class adds another elite player, instantly elevating its national profile in college football. Everything runs through Lubbock, right? At least Joey McGuire thinks so, and he's well on his way to proving so.

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Hayden Victoria

Hayden Victoria is the founding CEO of Texas Sports Network and currently serves as Head of Content at SEC Unfiltered while contributing to USA TODAY’s Longhorns Wire. A proud student at the University of Texas at Austin, he has been credentialed to cover premier events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship, and NFL Combine.