Texas Tech has quietly made a significant impact in the world of college football, playing a vital role in the development of some of the sport’s greatest talents. From Wes Welker and Danny Amendola to Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree, and Baker Mayfield, the Red Raiders seem to turn prospects into powerhouses with relative regularity.
Patrick Mahomes: A Red Raider Legend
No player exemplifies this phenomenon more than Chiefs supernova Patrick Mahomes. The three-time Super Bowl champion, who donned the black-and-red from 2014 to 2016, has become a household name among football fans. However, it was in Lubbock where he first surged into the nation’s sporting consciousness, showcasing his extraordinary talent and potential.
Mahomes has taken home plenty of accolades throughout his glittering career, and on Saturday, he added another feather to his cap by receiving the ultimate endorsement from his alma mater. This recognition speaks volumes about his influence and the legacy he has left at Texas Tech.
Texas Tech honors Mahomes
In a thrilling matchup against No. 20 Colorado and its eccentric coach, Deion Sanders, Texas Tech sported all-grey uniforms featuring Mahomes’ famous “Gladiator” logo. This emblem, a product of Mahomes’ endorsement deal with Adidas, symbolizes the connection between the quarterback and his former program.
“Seeing my own logo on the Texas Tech uniform I put so much blood, sweat, and tears into is one of the most meaningful off-field accomplishments of my career,” Mahomes shared in a news release. This emotional sentiment resonates with many fans who have followed his journey from college to the NFL.
If that weren’t enough, the name of the Red Raiders’ kits paints a vivid picture of Mahomes’ influence on his former program: Mahomes Strategy. It’s a testament to the lasting impact he has had on Texas Tech football.
Mahomes’ college journey
Mahomes attended Texas Tech University from 2014 to 2016. Coming out of high school, he was a three-star recruit, which surprisingly led to minimal interest from colleges. He received offers from Rice, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State but ultimately committed to Texas Tech, where Kliff Kingsbury was the head coach. Kingsbury was in his second season at the helm, and it proved to be a pivotal decision for both Mahomes and the program.
During his time at Texas Tech, Mahomes showcased his versatility as a dual-sport athlete, also pitching for the Red Raiders baseball squad. However, he decided to focus solely on football after his sophomore season, entering his junior year with a singular purpose: to excel on the gridiron.
Impressive college stats
Mahomes started seven games in his true freshman season, stepping up when Davis Webb dealt with injuries. He would go on to be named the starter for his sophomore and junior seasons in Kliff Kingsbury’s high-octane offense. The numbers he put up during his college career are nothing short of impressive.
Here’s a breakdown of Mahomes’ college stats:
| Year | Games | Yards | TDs (passing) | Yards (rushing) | TDs (rushing) | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 7 | 1,547 | 16 | 104 | 0 | 4 |
| 2015 | 13 | 4,653 | 36 | 456 | 10 | 15 |
| 2016 | 12 | 5,052 | 41 | 285 | 12 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 32 | 11,252 | 93 | 845 | 22 | 29 |
In addition to his staggering numbers, Mahomes led the nation in passing yards in 2016 and earned several prestigious awards, including the Sammy Baugh Award for the nation’s top passer and a spot on the Second-team All Big-12.
The legacy of Texas Tech football
Texas Tech’s ability to nurture talent is evident in the success stories of its alumni. The Red Raiders have consistently produced players who not only excel in college but also make significant impacts in the NFL. Mahomes is just one shining example of this trend.
As the Red Raiders continue to develop young talent, one can only wonder who the next standout player will be. Will they follow in the footsteps of Mahomes and etch their names into the annals of college football history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Texas Tech will remain a vital player in the college football landscape, shaping the future stars of the game.
