Texas Tech Football fans got some rough news ahead of Saturday's game against Arizona State, as multiple sources have reported that defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard will be out for the rest of the season, having suffered a lower leg injury in Week 7's win against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Gill-Howard had played a large role in the No. 7 Red Raiders' success on defense this season, and leaves some large cleats to fill.

In six games this season, Gill-Howard recorded 13 total tackles, 9 solo, 0.5 sacks and one interception for No. 7 Texas Tech. His presence helped anchor a defense that ranks ninth nationally in yards allowed (256.8 per game) and seventh in points allowed (12.2 per game).

A Milwaukee native, Gill-Howard transferred to Texas Tech this season after two years at Northern Illinois. He began his college career at Division II Upper Iowa before walking on at NIU, where he totaled 72 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one pass deflection.

Gill-Howard was named a team captain during fall camp, a moment he described as deeply personal. “I didn’t cry for my teammates, but I cried when I got home,” he told Red Raider Sports earlier this year. “It was just something I always worked for.”

Texas Tech is 6–0 overall and 3–0 in Big 12 play, with a road matchup against Arizona State looming Saturday at 3 p.m. CT on Fox. The Red Raiders are seeking their first-ever berth in the Big 12 Championship Game and a potential College Football Playoff appearance.

A timetable for Gill-Howard’s return has not been announced