Breaking News: Texas Tech A&M Head Coach Announces the Departure of Two Key Players Earlier Today
Lubbock, TX – May 4, 2025 — In a shocking turn of events for Texas Tech A&M football, Head Coach Marcus LeBlanc announced earlier today that two of the program’s most critical players will be leaving the team effective immediately. The news broke during a mid-morning press conference, sending ripples throughout the collegiate football community and sparking speculation about the future of the program.
The two players—starting quarterback Jalen Whitmore and defensive captain Malik Daniels—have been pivotal to the team’s success over the past two seasons. Whitmore, a junior and former four-star recruit from Houston, was considered a top Heisman Trophy contender heading into the 2025 season. Daniels, a senior linebacker and defensive anchor, was widely expected to be a Day 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Coach LeBlanc did not go into extensive detail about the reasons behind the departures but indicated that both players made personal decisions following what he called “a challenging offseason.”
“We support both Jalen and Malik in whatever paths they choose moving forward,” LeBlanc stated. “These are young men with bright futures ahead of them, and while we’re disappointed to lose them from our roster, we understand and respect their decisions.”
Sources close to the team suggest that Whitmore may be entering the NCAA transfer portal, possibly seeking a higher-profile program with more national exposure. Meanwhile, Daniels is reportedly stepping away from the team to focus on preparing for the NFL Draft, skipping his final year of eligibility.
Reaction across social media has been swift, with fans expressing a mixture of disappointment, confusion, and concern. “This is a huge blow,” one user tweeted. “We had a real shot at the Big 12 title this year. Without Jalen and Malik, everything changes.”
Texas Tech A&M had been projected as a top-10 team in several early preseason rankings, largely due to the return of key veterans and a strong incoming freshman class. With this sudden shift, analysts are now reevaluating the team’s prospects.
The Red Raiders will likely turn to sophomore backup quarterback Tyler McCaffrey, who saw limited action last season, and a young linebacker corps that has yet to be tested at the college level. Coach LeBlanc emphasized that while the losses are significant, the program remains focused and united.
“We have a strong locker room, and this team is built to adapt,” he said. “Our goals haven’t changed.”
Both Whitmore and Daniels are expected to release personal statements in the coming days. Meanwhile, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see how the Red Raiders adjust during spring practices and heading into summer training camp.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.