Is more than Texas Tech football in Malcolm Simmons' future?
Story by
Is more than Texas Tech football in Malcolm Simmons' future?
Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal·Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
·
3 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Texas Techfootball coachJoey McGuire hopesMalcolm Simmonscan be one ofthe Red Raiders'next big-play producers. The Tech staff didn't sign the former Auburn wide receiver out of the NCAA transfer portal for him not to pose a threat to Big 12 defenses.
There's a chance Simmons could help another coaching staff on campus even before then.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"He can fly,"McGuiresaid this past week at a Red Raider Club event in Amarillo. "If it works out, he might even try to do a little track with coach (Wes) Kittley in the outdoor season, if it all works out."
Texas Tech receivers coach Justin "Juice" Johnson looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
texas Tech tight ends coach Josh Cochran looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Jett Carpenter goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Kenny Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Howard Sampson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's D'Anthis Upshaw goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Jojo Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Jalen Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Bryson Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Julien Laventure goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Amari Fleming goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Krush Johnson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's S'Vioarean Martin goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Trey White goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Donovan Webb goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's A.J. Holmes goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Imari Jehiel goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Quintaelyn Joyner goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Michael Dever goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Tristian Gentry goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Ben Roberts goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Corey Platt goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Brock Golwas goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Ellis Davis goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Elias Gillen goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Jordan Church goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Felix Ojo goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Trey White (2) and Adam Trick go through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill as offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Lloyd Jones III goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Stephen Cannon goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Texas Tech's Donte Lee goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
1/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech receivers coach Justin "Juice" Johnson looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
1/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech receivers coach Justin "Juice" Johnson looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
2/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
3/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
texas Tech tight ends coach Josh Cochran looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
4/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
5/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Jett Carpenter goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
6/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Kenny Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
7/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Howard Sampson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
8/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's D'Anthis Upshaw goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
9/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Jojo Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
10/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Jalen Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
11/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Bryson Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
12/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Julien Laventure goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
13/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Amari Fleming goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
14/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Krush Johnson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
15/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's S'Vioarean Martin goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
16/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Trey White goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
17/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Donovan Webb goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
18/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
19/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's A.J. Holmes goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
20/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Imari Jehiel goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
21/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Quintaelyn Joyner goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
22/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Michael Dever goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
23/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Tristian Gentry goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
24/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Ben Roberts goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
25/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Corey Platt goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
26/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Brock Golwas goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
27/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
28/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
29/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
30/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Ellis Davis goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
31/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Elias Gillen goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
32/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Jordan Church goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
33/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Felix Ojo goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
34/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Trey White (2) and Adam Trick go through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
35/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
36/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
37/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill as offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
38/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Lloyd Jones III goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
39/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Stephen Cannon goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
40/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
41/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
42/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
43/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
44/44
See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices
Texas Tech's Donte Lee goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal)
Tech lists Simmons at 6-foot and 180 pounds. He caught 40 passes for 451 yards and 3 touchdowns as an Auburn true freshman in 2024 and caught 25 passes for 457 yards and 3 TDs in 2025. TheRed Raiders, one-third of the way through spring practice after Saturday, March 28, are looking at Simmons as an outside receiver, a possible successor to Caleb Douglas or Reggie Virgil.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Competing for Benjamin Russell High School, a Class 6A program in Alexander City, Alabama, Simmons was a three-time state champion in the long jump and a two-time state champion in the high jump.
Kittley said McGuire brought up the subject of Simmons possibly doing track and field during a conversation over lunch at Tech's Cash Family Sports Nutrition Center. Kittley called it "a possibility" and one he's open to, though he said they've not discussed it since.
"It's actually an easier call probably indoors than it is out, to tell you the truth," Kittley said, "because they haven't started spring ball while we're doing all of our indoor (season). But I think he got here in January, right, so I'm assuming they wanted him in the weight room and to just really be a part of it and see what they've got.
"But I would love to see him out. I told Joey, 'Yeah, definitely we can talk about it when you get done with spring ball.' "
Texas Tech's Malcolm Simmons goes through a drill during spring football practice, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.
Two years ago, Simmons cleared 7 feet in the high jump and went 24-11 1/2 in the long jump, an Alabama High School Athletic Association record. During the indoor season that year, he scored 26 points at the state meet by winning those two events and finishing third in the triple jump.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
At last year's Big 12 outdoor championships, 7-0 would have been good for fifth. In the long jump, 24-11 1/2 would have gotten second, though it's important to note each of the top six marks was into negative wind. Also, 7-0 and 24-11 1/2 are what Simmons did on his best day, not week-in and week-out.
More considerations: After the Tech footballspring gameon April 17, the track and field team has only two regular-season meets left before the Big 12 outdoor championships May 14-16 at Arizona. And Simmons would have to quickly show enough to make the conference-meet roster, which is capped at 32 athletes. Tech has more than 40 men.
Competing in the 60-meter hurdles in the Big 12 indoor championships, Tech linebacker Mike Dingle finished fourth in 2023 and seventh in 2024, scoring points. Former Tech running back/return man Ivory McCann and wide receiver Carlos Francis competed with the track team early in Kittley's tenure.
