Texas Tech’s vaunted 2025 defensive line has landed another player in the NFL.
Defensive tackle Lee Hunter heard his name called by the Carolina Panthers with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft. He is the third Red Raider selected in this year’s draft.
Hunter had a career year in Lubbock last season, tallying 41 tackles, 11 TFLs and 2.5 sacks en route to Third Team All-America honors and a First Team All-Big 12 selection. Alongside standouts David Bailey and Romello Height, Hunter was part of an elite Tech defensive line that lead the program to its first Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance.
The 23-year-old native of Mobile, Ala. was part of Tech’s immensely productive 2025 transfer class, landing with the Red Raiders after stints with Auburn and UCF. Now, he hopes to make an impact in Carolina at the next level.