Texas Tech Special Teams Refined Ahead of Arizona State
The Red Raiders look to improve unit performance and depth as they prepare to face Arizona State this Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football
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Texas Tech special teams coordinator Kenny Perry reviewed the squad performance and depth following the first five games of the season. The team is managing specific player injuries as they adjust their special teams strategy for the upcoming matchup against Arizona State.
Why it matters
Prioritizing field position and minimizing turnovers is critical for the Red Raiders to maintain success. The coaching staff is adjusting personnel to ensure coverage reliability and effective return play against a dangerous Arizona State team.
Texas Tech has rotated through two or three distinct special teams units throughout their first five games of the season. Coaching staff members are currently evaluating the efficacy of punting strategies used to flip field position while managing injuries to key roster contributors.
The players
Kenny Perry
He serves as the special teams coordinator for the Texas Tech football program.
J'Koby Williams
He is a return specialist who also serves as a primary offensive contributor for the team.
Ashton Hampton
He is a player who has been sidelined with an MCL injury since the fall camp.
Will Karoll
He currently handles the punting responsibilities for Texas Tech.
Malcolm Simmons
He provides downfield coverage as a gunner during punting situations.
The details
Coaches are utilizing punting to the wide side of the field to gain a positional advantage, supported by gunners Malcolm Simmons and Bryson Jones. While Will Karoll handles punting duties and J'Koby Williams leads as a return specialist, the team has integrated new contributors like Chase Campbell and Imari Jehiel into rotation roles.
Timeline
Texas Tech blocked a kick against Arizona State last season.
Ashton Hampton sustained an MCL injury during fall camp 2026.
Kenny Perry met with the media on October 13, 2026.
Texas Tech plays Arizona State on October 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The unit preparation directly mirrors the 2025 Texas Tech special teams block against Arizona State, highlighting a focus on critical game-changing plays. This emphasis on special teams efficiency remains central to the program's strategy to gain an edge during the remainder of the season.
The return of Ashton Hampton could significantly bolster the special teams depth and defensive coverage rotation against Arizona State. Fans should watch for the impact of the punt coverage unit, as J'Koby Williams remains a focal point for return opportunities.
The takeaway
Special teams remain a foundational element of the Texas Tech game plan as they work to integrate depth players into rotation. Maintaining discipline in coverage and field position management is essential for avoiding the mistakes that often decide close conference games.
Further reading
For additional updates on the team, visit the Lubbock Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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