LUBBOCK, TX – Texas Tech continued its offseason momentum on Friday with the official signing of Stanford transfer David Bailey, the highest-rated returning edge rusher in college football according to Pro Football Focus.
Bailey, a senior with one year of eligibility remaining, arrives in Lubbock after a standout career at Stanford where he totaled 111 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks over three seasons. He earned a 90.9 overall grade from PFF for his 2024 campaign—ranking sixth nationally and first among edge defenders.
“David Bailey is one of the best defensive players in the country, and we’re excited he’s officially a Red Raider,” head coach Joey McGuire said. “David is great addition to what I believe is already one of the best front sevens in the country. We’re looking forward to having him join our program and add to the culture we are building around this team.”
Bailey recorded 31 tackles in 2024, with 8.0 for loss and 7.0 sacks. He posted a nation-leading 93.2 pass rush grade and forced five fumbles—fourth most in the FBS. Over his 33-game Stanford career, he started 16 contests and was named a 2022 True Freshman All-American by 247Sports.
Originally from Irvine, California, Bailey starred at powerhouse Mater Dei High School and was a consensus four-star recruit. He joins a Texas Tech defense expected to feature a stacked front, including newcomers Lee Hunter, Skyler Gill-Howard, A.J. Holmes Jr., Romello Height, and a returning core led by E’Maurion Banks, Jayden Cofield, Charles Esters III and Isaac Smith.
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