No edge rusher in college football was as dominant as Texas Tech’s David Bailey in 2025. The unanimous All-American and Big 12 standout was tied for the most sacks in college football with 14.5.

He also led a Red Raider defense that anchored the team’s first College Football Playoff appearance in school history.

But as the 22-year-old phenom prepares for the NFL draft, one additional thing stands out: David Bailey, the player, might just be eclipsed by David Bailey, the person.

At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Bailey’s personality has stood out the most.

College standout

Bailey did not begin his stellar college career at Texas Tech. The Orange, Calif., native originally attended Stanford and graduated in three years with a degree in STS (science, technology, and society).

Stanford is one of the most celebrated universities in the country. It’s home to some of the greatest minds in modern history, including Larry Page (co-founder of Google), Sally Ride (the first woman in space), and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

For Bailey to graduate from Stanford with a degree in just three years is beyond impressive. It highlights his commitment to education, his discipline, and his motivation to perform well on the field and in the classroom.

“If I had to do it all over again, I would major in psychology,” Bailey said on Wednesday. “Just learning about human behavior and just things in general about the human mindset.”

Bailey’s intelligence helped him most in his transition from Stanford to the pressures of college football at Texas Tech. By the time he arrived in Lubbock, the edge rusher knew exactly what he needed to do to take off as a prospect.

“I just learned about how to adjust to a new environment,” Bailey said. “Just have to navigate an experience like that. I think that will take me to the next level well.”

There may not be a smarter prospect coming out of college than Bailey. It shows in the fact that he is viewed as a likely top-five overall selection in April’s draft.

David Bailey draft profile

For as dominant a player as Bailey was at Texas Tech, there are still some questions about his future in the NFL. Scouts worry about the 22-year-old’s size and ability to defend the run.

It’s hard to argue with many, though, who call him the best pass rusher in the draft.

If Bailey can develop into an every-down defender, the organization that drafts him will be thrilled with the Pro Bowl or All-Pro caliber talent he brings to the table.

Perhaps the best part of Bailey’s game is his ability to work in several defensive alignments. In Indianapolis, he explained how he has experience as an edge rusher standing up and also playing out of a three-point stance.

It shows a kind of versatility that many organizations now look for in top prospects.

“If it’s third down, go get it, get in a three-point track stance,” Bailey explained. “Now, if I’m playing the run, I’m more comfortable playing in a two-point stance because it’s what I was used to at Stanford.”

Bailey detailed his experience working in multiple defensive alignments, not only as an edge rusher but also as a four-tech (lining up as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme). Being able to line up in different schemes and formations, while still being a dominant player, also highlights how Bailey’s mind works.

He won’t be overwhelmed by modern NFL schemes.

A team like the New York Jets will love Bailey’s versatility. The tape speaks for itself as well. The Texas Tech star is more than deserving of the second overall pick, where NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently projected him to land.

But what makes Bailey most impressive, though, is a mind that seems destined to excel at the NFL level.

Reporting from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind.