Patrick Mahomes College Days: From Texas Tech To NFL Star

Patrick Mahomes, now a household name and superstar quarterback in the NFL, honed his skills and developed his talent during his college years. His time at Texas Tech University laid the foundation for his future success. Let's dive into Patrick Mahomes' college career, exploring his stats, achievements, and the impact he had on the Red Raiders.

Early Years and Recruitment

Before becoming a Red Raider, Patrick Mahomes was a standout athlete at Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, Texas. Not only did he excel in football, but he also showcased his abilities in baseball and basketball. In football, he threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his senior year, catching the attention of several college programs. Despite his impressive high school career, Mahomes wasn't initially considered a top-tier recruit. Some schools were hesitant due to his unconventional playing style and his commitment to both football and baseball. However, Texas Tech saw the potential in Mahomes and offered him a scholarship. The Red Raiders, known for their Air Raid offense, seemed like the perfect fit for his skillset. Mahomes ultimately chose Texas Tech over other offers, deciding to focus solely on football after his freshman year. This decision proved to be pivotal, allowing him to fully dedicate himself to mastering the quarterback position. His early years were marked by a blend of raw talent and the need for refinement, something the coaching staff at Texas Tech recognized and worked diligently to cultivate. The recruitment process highlighted the importance of finding the right system and coaching staff that believed in his abilities and were willing to develop his unique style.

Arrival at Texas Tech

Patrick Mahomes arrived at Texas Tech in 2014, joining a program with a rich history of quarterbacks known for putting up big numbers. As a freshman, he started as a backup to Davis Webb. However, an injury to Webb opened the door for Mahomes to showcase his talent. In his first career start against Oklahoma State, Mahomes threw for 598 yards and six touchdowns, announcing his arrival on the college football scene in a big way. Although the Red Raiders lost that game, Mahomes' performance signaled the beginning of a new era in Texas Tech football. His ability to make incredible throws from various angles and his fearless attitude quickly made him a fan favorite. The rest of his freshman season saw him continue to impress, displaying both his potential and areas where he needed to improve. He finished the year with 3,799 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, earning him Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. This initial success provided a glimpse into the superstar he would eventually become, setting the stage for his future dominance in college and beyond. His freshman year was a crucial learning experience, allowing him to adapt to the speed and complexity of college football while solidifying his role as the future of the Texas Tech offense.

Sophomore Surge

In his sophomore season in 2015, Patrick Mahomes took full control of the Texas Tech offense, solidifying his status as one of the nation's most exciting quarterbacks. He started all 13 games, leading the Red Raiders to a 7-6 record. Mahomes' numbers were staggering; he threw for 4,653 yards and 36 touchdowns, showcasing his incredible arm talent and ability to make plays under pressure. One of the standout performances of the season came against Baylor, where he threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns in a high-scoring affair. Despite the team's inconsistent defense, Mahomes consistently put up points, keeping the Red Raiders competitive in every game. His sophomore year highlighted his growth as a leader and his increasing command of the offense. He demonstrated a better understanding of reading defenses and making adjustments at the line of scrimmage. While the team success wasn't always there, Mahomes' individual brilliance was undeniable. He became known for his improvisational skills and his ability to extend plays, often making something out of nothing. This season was pivotal in cementing his reputation as a gunslinger and a player to watch, setting the stage for an even more explosive junior year.

Record-Breaking Junior Year

Patrick Mahomes' junior season in 2016 was nothing short of legendary. He put up video game-like numbers, breaking numerous records and solidifying his place in college football history. Mahomes threw for an astounding 5,052 yards and 41 touchdowns, leading the nation in passing yards and total offense. His performance against Oklahoma was particularly memorable; he threw for a NCAA record-tying 734 yards and five touchdowns while also rushing for 85 yards and two touchdowns. In total, he accounted for 819 yards of total offense, breaking the NCAA single-game record. Although the Red Raiders lost the game 66-59, Mahomes' performance was a testament to his incredible talent and determination. Throughout the season, he consistently made jaw-dropping throws and showcased his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. His junior year was a masterclass in quarterback play, demonstrating his exceptional arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making. He earned numerous accolades, including the Sammy Baugh Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's top passer. Despite the individual success, the Red Raiders finished the season with a disappointing 5-7 record. However, Mahomes' performance was so impressive that he began to garner serious attention from NFL scouts. After the season, he made the decision to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft, a move that would ultimately change the course of his career and the landscape of the NFL.

Impact on Texas Tech

Patrick Mahomes' time at Texas Tech had a lasting impact on the program and the university. He brought excitement and national attention to the Red Raiders, filling the stadium with fans eager to witness his incredible talent. His record-breaking performances and highlight-reel plays revitalized the Texas Tech offense and made the Red Raiders a must-watch team. Beyond the statistics, Mahomes inspired his teammates and brought a winning mentality to the program. His work ethic and dedication set an example for others to follow, and his leadership on and off the field made him a beloved figure in Lubbock. Even though the team's overall record during his tenure wasn't stellar, Mahomes' individual brilliance provided a sense of hope and optimism for the future. His success also helped to attract top recruits to Texas Tech, ensuring that the program would remain competitive in the Big 12 Conference. Today, Mahomes' legacy is celebrated throughout the university, and his jersey is a common sight at Red Raider games. He is remembered not only as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Texas Tech history but also as a role model and an inspiration to aspiring athletes. His impact extends beyond the football field, as he has become a symbol of excellence and perseverance for the entire Texas Tech community.

College Stats and Accolades

Patrick Mahomes' college stats speak volumes about his talent and impact. Over his three seasons at Texas Tech, he threw for 11,252 yards and 93 touchdowns. His junior year was particularly impressive, as he led the nation in passing yards and total offense. Here's a summary of his key stats:

• Passing Yards: 11,252
• Touchdowns: 93
• Completion Percentage: 63.5%
• Single-Game Passing Record: 734 yards (tied NCAA record)

In addition to his impressive statistics, Mahomes earned numerous accolades during his college career, including:

• Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2014)
• Sammy Baugh Trophy (2016)
• First-Team All-Big 12 (2016)
• Academic All-Big 12 (2015, 2016)

These awards and statistics highlight Mahomes' exceptional performance and his contributions to Texas Tech football. His college career set the stage for his success in the NFL, demonstrating his potential to become one of the game's all-time greats.

From College Star to NFL Superstar

Patrick Mahomes' transition from a college star at Texas Tech to an NFL superstar is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. After being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, he spent his rookie season as a backup to Alex Smith. In 2018, he took over as the starting quarterback and immediately made an impact, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. Mahomes' incredible arm talent, improvisational skills, and leadership qualities quickly made him one of the most exciting players in the NFL. He led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years in 2020, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. He has since led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances, solidifying his status as one of the league's top quarterbacks. His success in the NFL can be attributed to the foundation he built during his college years at Texas Tech. The Air Raid offense helped him develop his passing skills, and the experience he gained playing against tough competition prepared him for the challenges of the NFL. Mahomes' story is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. His college career at Texas Tech was a crucial stepping stone in his journey to becoming an NFL superstar, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Red Raiders.

Conclusion

Patrick Mahomes' college career at Texas Tech was a pivotal chapter in his journey to becoming an NFL superstar. He honed his skills, broke records, and left a lasting impact on the program and the university. From his early days as a backup to his record-breaking junior season, Mahomes consistently showcased his exceptional talent and determination. His time at Texas Tech not only prepared him for the challenges of the NFL but also solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the importance of finding the right system to showcase one's abilities. Patrick Mahomes' college days will always be remembered as the foundation upon which his NFL success was built, and his impact on Texas Tech will continue to inspire future generations of Red Raiders.