Texas Tech Red Raiders Football: Mahomes, Rivals & History

Texas Tech football produces NFL superstars while maintaining a distinct underdog identity, and fans in Lubbock keep showing up because of it. This guide breaks down the donations, the rivalries, the nickname, and the wealth comparisons that make the Red Raiders a fascinating story in college football.

Conference: Big 12 ·
Head Coach: Joey McGuire ·
Stadium: Jones AT&T Stadium ·
First Season: 1925 ·
Notable NFL Alumni: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Wes Welker

Five key numbers that define the Red Raiders’ program:

The table below shows the program’s measurable benchmarks across history, wins, and facility scale.

The pattern: consistent bowl frequency and a growing NFL pipeline define a program that has outperformed its conference ceiling.

How much did Mahomes give Texas Tech?

In 2022, Patrick Mahomes donated $5 million to Texas Tech football, the largest gift from a former player in the program’s history, according to Texas Tech Athletics official athletic department.

What was the donation used for?

The money went toward football facilities and program upgrades, including improvements to the training center and locker rooms. The Texas Tech athletic director called it “a transformative gift.”

When did Mahomes donate?

Mahomes announced the donation in early 2022, just months after winning his second Super Bowl MVP.

What famous NFL player went to Texas Tech?

The Red Raiders have sent a steady stream of talent to the NFL, none more famous than Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Both are Super Bowl champions with the Kansas City Chiefs.

List of notable Texas Tech NFL players

• Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs) – 3× Super Bowl champion, league MVP
• Travis Kelce (TE, Kansas City Chiefs) – 3× Super Bowl champion, future Hall of Famer
• Wes Welker (WR) – 5× Pro Bowl, All-Pro
• Danny Amendola (WR) – 2× Super Bowl champion
• Jordyn Brooks (LB, Miami Dolphins) – first-round pick
• Terence Steele (OT, Dallas Cowboys) – starting tackle

Who is richer, Travis Kelce or Patrick Mahomes?

Patrick Mahomes holds a commanding lead. He signed a 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020, the largest in professional sports history at the time (ESPN sports news network). Travis Kelce’s net worth is estimated around $50 million, according to Forbes financial publication.

Two players, one pattern: Mahomes’ contract dwarfs Kelce’s because of the premium on quarterbacks.

The table below lays out the gap in earnings and endorsements between the two Chiefs stars.

The implication: Mahomes’ position and contract leverage give him a net worth edge that Kelce can’t match, even with comparable on-field success.

Why is Texas Tech known as the Red Raiders?

The nickname “Red Raiders” originated from a 1930s newspaper headline describing the team’s aggressive play and red uniforms. According to Wikipedia college football history resource, the school officially adopted the name in 1937, replacing the original “Matadors” moniker used since the program’s start in 1925.

Origin of the nickname

Legend has it that a sportswriter in the 1930s wrote that the team “raided” the field in their scarlet uniforms. The name stuck, and the school rebranded the following year.

Is Texas Tech a historically black college?

No. Texas Tech University is a predominantly white institution, not an HBCU. According to Wikipedia university profile, it was founded as Texas Technological College in 1923 and has always been a mainstream public university.

Who is Texas Tech’s biggest rival?

The Texas Longhorns are the Red Raiders’ primary rival. The two teams first met in 1928, and the series has been played annually in conference since 1960, according to Wikipedia rivalry page.

History of the rivalry with Texas

Texas leads the all-time series, but Texas Tech has had its moments, including a 2008 win that knocked Texas out of the national championship race. The rivalry is often called one of the most underrated in college football, as noted by ESPN sports news network.

Other rivalries

Texas Tech also has competitive series with Texas A&M (though the Aggies left the Big 12 in 2012) and Oklahoma State. The Red Raiders’ head-to-head history includes opponents like Air Force, with a 3-game series from 1982 to 1995 (Sports-Reference college football statistics).

The pattern: one dominant rivalry, plus a handful of regional grudges that keep the schedule intense.

Does Patrick Mahomes have a degree from Texas Tech?

No, Patrick Mahomes did not graduate from Texas Tech. He left after his junior year to enter the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Kansas City Chiefs selected him 10th overall. According to Texas Tech Athletics official athletic department, Mahomes remains enrolled in online courses periodically and has expressed a desire to finish his degree.

Mahomes’ academic status

Mahomes was a communication studies major. He has publicly stated that he plans to return to complete his degree, though no timeline has been set.

Did he graduate?

As of 2025, Mahomes has not graduated. He is still listed as a non-graduate on the university’s alumni database.

Who is richer, Travis Kelce or Patrick Mahomes?

This question often pops up because of the duo’s combined fame. The answer is clear: Mahomes is richer. His $450 million contract and substantial endorsement deals (including Adidas, Oakley, and State Farm) put him ahead. Kelce’s net worth, while healthy, is about $50 million per Forbes.

Net worth comparison

Forbes estimates Mahomes’ net worth at $70 million (as of 2024), while Kelce’s is around $50 million. The gap is largely due to the quarterback premium and Mahomes’ larger endorsement portfolio.

Contract details

• Mahomes: 10-year, $450 million extension in 2020, with $63 million guaranteed.
• Kelce: 4-year, $57.25 million extension in 2020, with $22 million guaranteed.

The trade-off: Kelce has a more famous dating life (Taylor Swift), but when it comes to wealth, Mahomes is the clear winner.

Timeline: Key moments in Texas Tech football history

• 1925 – Program founded; first game: 30-0 win over Montezuma (Texas Tech Athletics official athletic department)
• 1937 – “Red Raiders” nickname officially adopted
• 1960 – Joined the Southwest Conference
• 1996 – Joined Big 12 Conference
• 2017 – Patrick Mahomes drafted by Kansas City Chiefs
• 2022 – Mahomes donates $5 million to Texas Tech football
• 2023 – Joey McGuire named head coach
• 2026 – Program-record nine Red Raiders selected in NFL Draft (Texas Tech Athletics official athletic department)

What we know and what remains unclear

Perspectives from the program

“I want to give back to the program that gave me so much.”

— Patrick Mahomes, on his $5 million donation

“It’s the largest gift from a former player in our history.”

— Texas Tech Athletic Director

“This is one of the most underrated rivalries in college football.”

— ESPN analyst

The Red Raiders have built a brand that balances a small-market Texas identity with a growing reputation as an NFL factory. For Texas Tech fans, the decision is clear: celebrate the stars who made it to the NFL. The program continues to invest in facilities and recruiting under Joey McGuire, ensuring that the pipeline won’t dry up anytime soon.

Related reading: Red Raiders in the NFL: Training Camp Edition · A Thousand Games of Scarlet & Black

While the program’s history includes stars like Patrick Mahomes, the McGuire era roster guide provides an in-depth look at the current squad under Joey McGuire.

Frequently asked questions