It didn’t take long for Colorado center Cash Cleveland to commit to the Texas Tech football program after the Texas native visited Lubbock.
Given the significant investment the Texas Tech football program has made in the transfer portal this offseason, it’s quite fitting that one of their new players is named “Cash.” On Thursday, during his visit to Lubbock to explore what head coach Joey McGuire and the program offer, Colorado starting center Cash Cleveland announced his commitment to Texas Tech via the transfer portal.
Cleveland is the 19th transfer to join the Red Raiders’ remarkable haul, which is recognized as the top in the nation by 247Sports.com. He shared his decision on social media, posting a graphic of himself in a Texas Tech uniform with cash flying around him — a perfect representation of the current landscape of college football.
However, Cleveland wasn’t always perceived as a high-profile player. Coming out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, last year, the Rockwall, Texas, native was an unranked recruit.
He only drew interest from two programs, Colorado and Georgia Tech, ultimately opting for a walk-on opportunity with the Buffaloes under head coach Deion Sanders.
Excited to be a Red Raider! 🌵 pic.twitter.com/iXfwjB4Jsk
— Cash Cleveland (@cleveland_cash) April 24, 2025
Cleveland’s size is a disadvantage, standing at just 6-foot-3 and weighing 290 pounds, which is considered light for a Big 12 offensive lineman.
Nonetheless, he secured a significant role at Colorado during the 2024 season. Although he didn’t make his college debut until the sixth game, he participated in six games overall, starting at center in the last four. His performance during these appearances earned him freshman All-American honors from three different college football sites. However, it seems he didn’t do enough to secure a future with Colorado, as head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes opted not to put him on scholarship this offseason.
Consequently, he entered the transfer portal and is now set to join the Red Raiders, offering promising news for a Texas Tech program still striving to build a competitive offensive line for both the present and future.
Cleveland is unlikely to step into a starting role for Texas Tech in 2025, particularly at center, since the current starter, Sheridan Wilson, is expected to return. Additionally, seniors Davion Carter and Vinny Sciury are projected as starters at the guard positions. The Red Raiders also have strong options like transfer additions Will Jados and Hunter Zambrano, along with returning player Holton Hendrix, who are capable of contributing to the interior line. Even so, there’s a possibility that Cleveland could find a role this season.
Most likely, he is being considered as a potential future starter. With three years of eligibility remaining, he could participate in four games this season and then redshirt (provided the NCAA doesn’t alter eligibility rules to eliminate redshirts, as has been speculated), positioning him to compete for a starting role next year when Tech may need to replace four offensive linemen.
Regardless of how Cleveland’s tenure at Texas Tech unfolds, he represents a smart addition for the program. With experience starting in the Big 12, he will help strengthen a position group that has been a concern during McGuire’s tenure. By bringing in a starter from another Big 12 program to bolster their depth, the Red Raiders are demonstrating their commitment to building a contender for 2025, while also taking steps toward ensuring the long-term stability of the program.
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