Texas Tech freshman receiver Micah Hudson, the Red Raiders’ highest-ranked signee in the modern recruiting era, plans to enter the transfer portal, a source briefed on the decision confirmed.
Hudson, who joined Texas Tech in its 2024 recruiting class, was the program’s first five-star signee. In his first college season, he appeared in eight games and played a total of 107 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, finishing with eight receptions for 123 yards. After appearing in a 35-34 loss to TCU on Oct. 26, Hudson did not play in the final four games of the season.
Injuries disrupted Hudson’s first year on campus multiple times. He missed spring football because of knee surgery and missed time late in the year with a lower leg injury.
Texas Tech also prioritized playing its crop of veteran receivers, led by Washington State transfer Josh Kelly and Florida transfer Caleb Douglas, which limited Hudson’s playing time. Kelly led the team with 89 catches for 1,023 yards, while Douglas was second on the team with 55 catches for 762 yards. Sophomore Coy Eakin (45 catches, 605 yards) also played a major role in the passing game.
The lack of playing time and production was a stark contrast to the expectations that surrounded Hudson when he arrived. In May, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire lauded Hudson’s maturity and said that Hudson was better than any of the four receivers he coached at Cedar Hill (Texas) High that went on to the NFL. He said then that he expected Hudson to play a lot, if not start for the Red Raiders.
Instead, Hudson had just four games in which he logged double-digit snaps, with a season-high of 33 in a Week 3 win over North Texas.
Still, Hudson’s raw athletic talent is substantial, and he’ll likely be a coveted prospect in the transfer portal because of it. The Red Raiders fought off multiple big-time programs, including in-state rival Texas, for his commitment in 2023.
(Photo: Richard Rodriguez / Getty Images)
