Texas Tech Receiver Donte Lee Jr. Out With Injury

The fifth-year senior will miss the remainder of the season following an ACL tear.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Football

Texas Tech Receiver Donte Lee Jr. Out With Injury

Texas Tech wide receiver Donte Lee Jr. suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament tear during a game against Colorado on October 3, 2026. Coach Joey McGuire confirmed the injury on October 19, 2026.

Why it matters

The loss of the 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver forces a shift in the Texas Tech rotation, with sophomore Bryson Jones stepping into the top backup wide receiver role. The program must now adjust its passing depth following the injury sustained in Lubbock.

Donte Lee Jr. recorded 4 catches for 15 total yards across 5 games this season. He transferred to Texas Tech in January 2026 after previous stints at Shaw and Liberty.

The players

Donte Lee Jr.

He is a fifth-year senior wide receiver who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 190 pounds.

Joey McGuire

He serves as the head football coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Bryson Jones

He is a sophomore wide receiver who has stepped into the top backup role.

The details

The injury occurred during a non-contact play, though Lee was also tackled during the sequence against Colorado. The team fell 29-7 in the contest where the senior receiver sustained his torn ACL.

January 2026: Donte Lee Jr. transferred to Texas Tech.
October 3, 2026: Donte Lee Jr. sustained a knee injury during the Colorado game.
October 19, 2026: Coach Joey McGuire confirmed the injury status.

Season Trajectory

This roster change impacts the team's depth chart as they navigate the remainder of the season without a veteran target. It forces the coaching staff to rely on younger players like Bryson Jones to maintain offensive production.

Bryson Jones is now the primary backup wide receiver and will likely see an increase in snap counts for the rest of the season. Fantasy managers and team followers should monitor the updated depth chart for shifts in target distribution.

The takeaway

Season-ending injuries often provide younger players with critical developmental opportunities in live game scenarios. Fans should look for how the team adjusts its offensive schemes to accommodate the new rotation.