Patrick Mahomes College Journey How Texas Tech Shaped the Chiefs Superstar QB

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Patrick Mahomes College Team

When football fans talk about the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL today, one name dominates the conversation**Patrick Mahomes**. The Kansas City Chiefs superstar has already built a legendary career with multiple Super Bowl appearances, an MVP trophy, and countless jaw-dropping moments. But before he was dazzling NFL defenses, he was busy rewriting the record books at **Texas Tech University**. Mahomes’ time in **Lubbock, Texas**, was nothing short of spectacular. His college career laid the foundation for his meteoric rise, showcasing his unique blend of arm talent, athleticism, and improvisational genius. Let’s take a dive into his college days, exploring the moments and numbers that shaped him into the quarterback we know today.

Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech

When Mahomes arrived at **Texas Tech in 2014**, the Red Raiders already had a reputation for their explosive, high-octane offense. Known for producing prolific passers like Graham Harrell and Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech provided the perfect environment for a gunslinger like Mahomes. Under **head coach Kliff Kingsbury**, who himself had been a successful quarterback at Texas Tech, Mahomes flourished in an **Air Raid offense** that emphasized fast-paced, high-scoring passing attacks. It didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself.

Rising to Stardom

Mahomes started his college career as a backup but quickly saw playing time as a **true freshman** in 2014 after an injury to starter Davis Webb. He took over as the **full-time starter in 2015**, and from that point on, he never looked back. The numbers? Simply outrageous. Some of Mahomes’ unbelievable college stats:

  • In his sophomore season (2015), he threw for **4,653 yards and 36 touchdowns**.
  • As a junior in 2016, he posted a mind-boggling **5,052 passing yards and 41 touchdowns**.
  • He set an **FBS record for total offense** in a single game (819 yards) against Oklahoma in 2016, with **734 passing yards**.
  • If those numbers seem absurd, that’s because they are. At Texas Tech, Mahomes wasn’t just **leading an offensehe was the offense**. His ability to make plays on the run, throw deep bombs on the move, and create magic out of broken plays quickly drew the attention of NFL scouts.

    The 2016 Shootout vs. Oklahoma

    One game in particular cemented Mahomes’ status as a college football legend**the 2016 showdown against Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma**. In what can only be described as an offensive **frenzy**, Mahomes passed for an eye-popping **734 yards**, tying the NCAA record, while also rushing for **85 yards**. Texas Tech lost the game **66-59**, but Mahomes’ individual performance left fans, analysts, and NFL scouts in awe. It was in that game that Mahomes showed his **pure playmaking ability and limitless potential**. Despite the loss, people started believing that he could thrive at the next level.

    The NFL Awaits

    After his record-breaking junior season, Mahomes made the decision to declare for the **2017 NFL Draft**. While some scouts questioned whether his Air Raid background would translate to the pros, the Chiefs saw what others didn’ta generational talent. The **Kansas City Chiefs traded up to the No. 10 overall pick** to draft him, and the rest, as they say, is history.

    How Texas Tech Shaped His Playing Style

    Mahomes’ time in Lubbock gave him the freedom to play with **fearless creativity**. In an offense that relied heavily on a **pass-heavy approach**, he learned how to:

  • Extend plays and improvise under pressure.
  • Make deep throws with accuracy, even off his back foot.
  • Read defenses quickly and adjust on the fly.
  • Develop mental toughness in high-scoring shootouts.
  • These skills have translated seamlessly to the NFL, where Mahomes is now the **face of the league**. While many quarterbacks struggle to adjust from a college spread system to a pro-style offense, Mahomes has thrivedthanks in large part to the **foundation laid at Texas Tech**.

    Legacy at Texas Tech

    To this day, **Mahomes is considered royalty in Lubbock**. Texas Tech may not have won a national title during his time there, but his impact on the program is undeniable. In 2021, Texas Tech honored Mahomes by **inducting him into their Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame**, forever etching his name into Red Raider history. His influence has helped **raise the profile of Texas Tech football**, attracting recruits who dream of following in his footsteps.

    Conclusion

    Patrick Mahomes’ **college career at Texas Tech** was nothing short of legendary. His record-breaking performances, jaw-dropping numbers, and fearless play style made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football history. While Texas Tech didn’t win a Big 12 title during his time there, Mahomes left behind something just as valuablea lasting legacy. Now, as a **Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP**, he proudly carries a piece of Texas Tech with him on every touchdown pass, every sidearm throw, and every mind-blowing play. Because before he was the face of the NFL, he was just a **kid from Lubbock, slinging it under the West Texas sky**.

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