Skyler Gill-Howard has nine tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception. He has been one of the highest-graded defensive tackles in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. John E. Moore III / Getty Images
Texas Tech star defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard had surgery Thursday in Dallas after suffering an ankle injury during last week’s game against Kansas, a team source told The Athletic. The plan, the source said, is that Gill-Howard will be back in time for the College Football Playoff, if 6-0 Texas Tech ends up making the 12-team field.
The 6-foot-1, 290-pound senior has nine tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception and has been one of the highest-graded defensive tackles in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. He is one of several transfers who have helped turn the Red Raiders into Playoff contenders.
Gill-Howard began his college career at Division II Upper Iowa University before spending the past three seasons at Northern Illinois.
The No. 7 Red Raiders lead the nation in run defense and have won all six of their games by at least 24 points.
Texas Tech’s defensive line has been a team strength this season. A.J. Holmes Jr., a transfer from Houston where he was a starter, stepped in after Gill-Howard went down on the fifth play against KU. Holmes had four tackles and two sacks in the game. Texas Tech had 14 tackles for loss and nine sacks in the 42-17 win.
Texas Tech visits Arizona State on Saturday.
Oct 17, 2025
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