The Texas Tech Red Raiders added four wide receivers in the transfer portal after losing their top two receivers, Caleb Douglas and Reggie Virgil, to the NFL. Highlighting one of the receivers the Red Raiders added was former Pitt senior and return specialist Kenny Johnson. Johnson had a solid junior year, finishing as the Panthers’ second-leading receiver with 695 yards and five touchdowns, along with 179 punt return yards and a touchdown, and 159 kick return yards.
Johnson is expected to compete with Micah Hudson and Coy Eakin for the No. 1 receiver role this offseason and contribute as a return specialist.
Texas Tech Red Raiders WR transfer flying under the radar in 26
Texas Tech Red Raiders, Kenny Johnson
Texas Tech’s Kenny Johnson prepares to catch a pass during spring football practice, Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
In an ESPN article, writers covering each Top-25-ranked school identified one under-the-radar player for the 2026 College Football Season. For Texas Tech, Max Olson named Kenny Johnson, citing his strong 2025 campaign with Pitt as the team’s second-leading receiver and his opportunity to take the next step for a team in College Football Playoff contention. Olson also points to Johnson emerging as a potential impact punt returner.
“Texas Tech brought in four wide receivers via the portal this offseason to help replace the production of NFL-bound starters Caleb Douglas and Reggie Virgil. Johnson, a Pitt transfer, is ready to take the next big step in his senior year after earning honorable mention All-ACC recognition last season as the Panthers’ second-leading receiver with 695 yards and five TDs on 48 catches. He should have a chance to shine alongside returning wideouts Coy Eakin and Micah Hudson. Don’t be surprised if Johnson also emerges as an impact punt returner for the Red Raiders,” Olson said.
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