LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 18: Cash Cleveland #52 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs across the field before the game against the Houston Cougars at Galaxy Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
John E. Moore III/Getty Images
LUBBOCK — Texas Tech left guard Cash Cleveland was a walk-on at Colorado his freshman season in 2024, earning a starting role for the Buffaloes at center at the end of the season prior to transferring to the Red Raiders.
Cleveland, who earned the starting left guard position for Tech prior to Week 4, will return to Boulder, Colo., for the first time since transferring to Lubbock. Cleveland said he’s thankful for his time with the Buffaloes but has moved his primary focus to a Tech victory.
“The environment there is awesome,” Cleveland said. “I’m super-excited to get to go up there and play a game and be with this team now. It’s an awesome experience up there, and I’m glad that we’ll get up there and hopefully get a win.”
The Rockwall native made six appearances at Colorado, with four being starts at center. One of Cleveland’s first collegiate appearances was in a 41-27 victory over the Red Raiders in Lubbock.
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Cleveland said seeing the environment of Galaxy Stadium, known as Jones AT&T Stadium at the time, was a factor in his decision to leave Colorado the following offseason.
“The environment here when we played here that year, it was very cool,” Cleveland said. “That’s when the tortillas was still a thing, so that was really awesome and cool to be a part of. After that season, when I decided that I was gonna hit the portal and leave, I had all my options laid out, and I remember that game. It did influence me just a little bit.”
Tech’s atmosphere on game days wasn’t the only factor that led Cleveland to choose the Red Raiders out of the transfer portal, he said. Cleveland said even though he had to wait for his starting opportunity with Tech, he fully stands behind his decision.
BOULDER, CO – NOVEMBER 29: Colorado offensive lineman Cash Cleveland (52) celebrates with Colorado wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (10) after Wester (10) scores during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the University of Colorado Buffaloes on November 29, 2024 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. (Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“Just a multitude of things,” Cleveland said. “I don’t think I was in a great position there, and I felt like I had a better opportunity here, and so I felt like that I’d pursue that opportunity to come here. I’m so happy where I’m at now. I’m not really focused on that. I love the guys here. I love my coaches here. I love my teammates here. I don’t regret any decision I ever made.”
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Cleveland attended Rockwall-Heath for the first three years of his high school career before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., for his senior season.
He said he was hesitant to leave Texas, but after a sit down with his family, they felt it was the best decision for his football career. The experience was beneficial in the end and prepared Cleveland for what becoming a college athlete would feel like.
“Being away from your family in high school is not something a lot of kids are used to,” Cleveland said. “Going to Florida and doing that, and then getting an opportunity to walk on to Colorado, I couldn’t have made a better decision going to Florida and being away from my family because it prepared me for all this college stuff.”
Cleveland said he isn’t allowing his personal feelings about returning to Colorado to overshadow his obligations with the Red Raiders.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about us,” Cleveland said. “It’s all about this team, and I just look at these guys in their eyes, and I know I’m going to give them my best and they’re going to give me their best. I’m really just focused on us and doing the best we can to be successful on the field.”
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That team-first mindset is something Cleveland has carried with him throughout his football career. Despite moving all across the country to play football since his senior year of high school, his appreciation for the game stays consistent.
“I love the game of football,” Cleveland said. “I love my teammates, and I’m just always excited when I’m on the field. I feel like I’m at home.”
Cleveland and the Red Raiders will take on the Buffaloes at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Folsom Field.