(BCSNN) — Texas Tech sophomore running back Quinten Joyner will miss the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL during the team’s second preseason scrimmage on Aug. 16, head coach Joey McGuire confirmed Monday. Joyner, a transfer from USC, was expected to be the Red Raiders’ starting tailback and a key piece of their offense heading into the fall.

“It was a non-contact injury, and it’s just heartbreaking,” McGuire said on his weekly podcast. “He’s done everything right since arriving—spring, summer, camp. He’s been a pro, and we were counting on him in a big way.” Joyner underwent surgery over the weekend and is expected to begin rehab immediately, with hopes of returning for the 2026 season.

Joyner transferred to Texas Tech in January after two seasons at USC, where he rushed for 603 yards and four touchdowns on 81 carries across 17 games. In 2024, he posted 478 rushing yards and three scores on just 63 attempts, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. He also added 89 receiving yards and a touchdown on 12 catches. Joyner was rated as the No. 9 running back in the transfer portal by 247Sports and chose Texas Tech over Ohio State.

A native of Manor, Texas, Joyner starred at Manor High School, the same program that produced former Red Raiders standout Tahj Brooks. He was a four-star recruit and earned first-team all-state honors after rushing for over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns across his final two prep seasons. His return to his home state was seen as a major win for Texas Tech’s aggressive transfer strategy.

With Joyner sidelined, the Red Raiders will turn to sophomores J’Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey to carry the load. Both backs saw limited action in 2024, combining for 461 yards and three touchdowns on 82 carries. Williams impressed in the Liberty Bowl loss to Arkansas, rushing for 123 yards and a score on just 15 attempts.

Texas Tech, ranked No. 23 in the preseason AP Poll, opens its season on Aug. 30 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Despite the setback, McGuire expressed confidence in the team’s depth and resilience. “We’ve got guys who are ready,” he said. “But there’s no question—losing Quinten is a big blow.”