BREAKING:Raiders sitting on a gold mine with breakout star ready to take over in 2025
LUBBOCK, Texas — Sometimes, a team doesn’t have to look far to find its next superstar. For Texas Tech, 2025 might just be the year they uncover a hidden gem already wearing the scarlet and black. With spring practices behind them and fall camp around the corner, buzz is building around one player who could shift the entire narrative for the Red Raiders next season.
If early signs are any indication, the Red Raiders are sitting on a gold mine — and that gold could come in the form of sophomore wide receiver *Marquis Johnson*, a name that’s quickly rising from under the radar to potential breakout sensation.
Johnson, a former 3-star recruit out of Houston, flashed serious upside in limited snaps last year, showcasing elite speed, polished footwork, and an uncanny ability to create separation. In a receiver room full of veteran names, Johnson’s explosiveness has quietly made him one of the most talked-about players inside the program this offseason. Now, heading into 2025, he’s ready to take over.
“He’s been special all spring,” head coach Joey McGuire said in a recent interview. “You can’t coach the kind of burst he has. It’s natural. We knew he had it, but now it’s showing up consistently in practice. He’s going to be a problem for defenses.”
With the departure of several top targets from last season, including senior leaders who accounted for much of the receiving production, Johnson is expected to step into a much larger role. Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley has hinted at expanding the playbook to feature Johnson’s deep-threat ability, opening up the field for quarterback Behren Morton and diversifying the attack.
But it’s not just about speed — Johnson has reportedly added muscle in the offseason, worked on his route tree, and improved his hands, making him more than just a burner. In scrimmages, he’s been a reliable target in both short and intermediate routes, a sign that he’s evolving into a complete receiver.
The comparisons inside the facility? Some are quietly linking Johnson’s ceiling to former Texas Tech standout Jakeem Grant — explosive, unpredictable, and capable of changing a game on a single play.
And that’s exactly what the Red Raiders will need.
In a Big 12 that now features deep defensive rosters and aggressive schemes, having a true X-factor who can tilt the field is invaluable. Johnson, if he stays healthy and keeps progressing, might be that game-changer.
**Final Take**
Texas Tech has had its share of stars rise from unlikely places — and 2025 might just continue that tradition. With Marquis Johnson drawing rave reviews and rising into a featured role, the Red Raiders could have a breakout star in their midst. For now, he’s still a name to watch — but by midseason, he might just be the name everyone knows. The gold mine is real — and it’s ready to shine.
