Texas Tech GM Sounds Off: "We’re Coming for Underpaid Athletes" in the NIL Era

 


🏈 Texas Tech GM Sounds Off: "We’re Coming for Underpaid Athletes" in the NIL Era

By WreckEm Insider | August 6, 2025

In a bold and headline-making statement, Texas Tech General Manager James Blanchard has officially thrown down the gauntlet in the high-stakes world of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness). His message? If you’re a high-performing athlete being undervalued at your current school, Texas Tech is ready to pay—and pay big.

💰 "We’re Going to Be Aggressive"

During a recent media appearance, Blanchard made it clear that the Red Raiders are not here to play it safe in the ever-evolving NIL landscape. Speaking with conviction, he declared:

“We’re going to be aggressive with underpaid players. If you’re a baller and you’re not getting paid what you’re worth—we’re coming.”

In a time when NIL has redefined the balance of power in college sports, Blanchard’s comments echo a growing trend: NIL is not just a perk—it’s a battleground.

🔄 Transfer Portal = Opportunity

Blanchard’s strategy targets a specific vulnerability across college rosters: talented players trapped in less lucrative NIL situations. With transfer rules loosening and player mobility increasing, schools like Texas Tech are ready to capitalize.

According to Blanchard, the school is prepared to offer $300,000–$400,000 deals to elite athletes, particularly those already performing at high levels but being underappreciated financially.

“We’re not afraid to cut checks. If you’re a playmaker, this is where you get what you’re worth.”

🧠 Strategic, Not Reckless

Critics might label this approach as "buying talent," but Blanchard counters with strategy. He emphasizes that Texas Tech isn’t just writing checks blindly—they’re targeting value in the NIL market.

“It’s not about paying just to pay—it’s about getting dogs who’ve already proven they can compete and giving them the respect they deserve.”

This aligns with Texas Tech’s recent push toward NIL-backed recruiting, where donors, collectives, and marketing arms work in unison to attract top-tier talent while maintaining a strong culture and locker room chemistry.

🧱 What This Means for the Big 12 (and Beyond)

This bold declaration marks a turning point for Texas Tech's recruiting brand. With the Big 12 evolving post-Texas and Oklahoma, the Red Raiders are now aiming to become a powerhouse destination for both incoming freshmen and transfer portal gems.

Programs that hesitate to pay top performers risk being outbid—not just in contracts, but in long-term competitiveness.

🔴 Red Raiders Are Building a Monster

With Blanchard leading the charge and NIL collectives in full swing, Texas Tech is putting the nation on notice. The message is simple:

You don’t have to leave for the SEC to get paid. We’ve got the bag—and the culture—right here in Lubbock.

And in the new era of college football, that combination could be the ultimate recruiting weapon.

🛍️ Fan Tip: Support the Players with Official Gear

Want to show your support for the Red Raiders and help boost NIL opportunities? Grab officially licensed Texas Tech merch at Fanatics:
👉 Shop Now

#WreckEm | #TexasTech | #NILera | #TransferPortal | #RedRaiderNation | #CollegeFootball2025

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