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BREAKING: Texas Tech Star & Three-Time All-American Juliet Cherubet Enters Transfer Portal
The Stride Report has learned that Texas Tech distance star Juliet Cherubet has entered the transfer portal as a standard transfer. The soon-to-be-former Red Raider is expected to have two seasons of cross country eligibility remaining as well as three seasons of indoor track eligibility and three season of outdoor track eligibility remaining.
Cherubet, who is currently a sophomore, has emerged as one of the NCAA's brightest young distance stars over the last year and half. In her last two appearances at the NCAA XC Championships, the Kenya native has finished in 18th place (2023) and 11th place (2024) to earn a pair of top-half All-American honors.
Last spring, Cherubet was outstanding, posting times of 4:09 (1500), 8:57 (3k) and 15:25 (5k). The Texas Tech runner qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in both the 1500-meter distance and the 5000-meter distance earning, earning a 5th place All-American honor in the latter event. A few weeks before that, Cherubet secured gold over 1500 meters at the BIG 12 Outdoor Championships.
When it comes to three-season threats and those with remaining eligibility, Cherubet holds some of the best transfer value of any distance runner in the NCAA. Her sneaky-good range, underrated consistency and growing championship experience makes her a massive asset for whoever attempts to sign her.
As we ponder where Cherubet could end up next, it's hard not to think about programs such as Oklahoma State or Florida.
With Kenyan distance talents like Billah Jepkirui and Victoria Lagat headlining the Cowgirls' roster, it would make sense if Coach David Smith opted to be aggressive in the transfer portal to get another low-stick star. Doing so would almost certainly accelerate Oklahoma State's rebuilding process.
As for Florida, Coach Will Palmer has had no issue working with top-tier Kenyans before. He did, after all, develop the likes of Hilda Olemomoi, Mercy Chelangat, Esther Gitahi and Flomena Asekol (among others). And given how aggressive he has been with his recruiting (specifically via the 2023 transfer portal), it wouldn't be a surprise if Cherubet ended up as a Gator.
Other track and field programs with extensive resources such as Oregon and Arkansas could also be in play to land Cherubet. In an era that will soon be dominated by NIL-based recruiting (if it's not already), those with the most money to spend are more likely to land runners like Cherubet.
Clemson, West Virginia, Louisville and New Mexico have all been plenty active as of late with recruiting high-level distance standouts from Africa. On paper, they would be a perfect fit as they attempt to round out their rosters (or in West Virginia's case, replace Ceili McCabe).
Don't be surprised if Oklahoma puts their hat in the ring to sign Cherubet, either. The Sooners recently made noise on the men's side with a trio of international signings and were already players in the international recruiting scene this past summer on the women's side.
