Texas Tech's Ponton Named to Freshman All-America Team

LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jacob Ponton was named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team on Wednesday, becoming the only Big 12 player selected on offense, defense, or special teams.

Ponton was one of six offensive linemen honored nationally, joining Alabama’s Michael Carroll, Georgia’s Dontrell Glover, Washington’s John Mills, Minnesota’s Nathan Roy, and Tennessee’s David Sanders Jr.

He is the first Red Raider to earn FWAA Freshman All-America recognition since punter Austin McNamara in 2019 and the sixth Texas Tech player to be selected since the award’s creation in 2001.

Ponton started all 14 games at right tackle for a Texas Tech offense that ranked among the nation’s most productive. The Red Raiders surpassed 3,500 passing yards and 2,500 rushing yards for the first time in program history, becoming the only Big 12 team — and one of seven nationally — to reach both marks this season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Ponton played 942 offensive snaps with a 69.3 overall grade, allowing only six sacks on 497 pass-blocking snaps. His grade ranked second nationally among freshman tackles with at least 500 snaps and was the highest among freshmen in power conferences.

Texas Tech finished the year ranked seventh nationally in scoring offense (39.4 points per game), 15th in passing (278.5 yards) and 33rd in rushing (182.9 yards).

The Red Raiders return both starting tackles next season, including Ponton and left tackle Howard Sampson, as well as center Sheridan Wilson. Guards Davion Carter and Will Jados graduated after starting all 14 games this year.