After Week 11, we know one thing for sure. Texas Tech is a sure shot contender for the playoffs, which is a massive feat for a formerly unknown program. The team predicted to shake up the conference thrashed Big 12 toppers BYU 29-7 for a magnificent victory. The win was so big for the Red Raiders that the clash is easily one of the most talked about in the country. Even Patrick Mahomes couldn’t help but want in on all the fun.

After Texas Tech dominated BYU this weekend, Patrick Mahomes might not have to carry the TTU legacy on his own. He found time to watch his alma mater take on the Cougars, but the brilliant game from the team outshone his presence at Lubbock on Saturday. It’s hard for anything to take away attention from the Chiefs star – that’s how good Texas Tech was. Mahomes, however, was beyond pleased.

The former Texas Tech star was College GameDay’s guest picker for the clash. The shoe returned to Lubbock 17 years since its last visit. Stanford Steve opened up on what Mahomes was feeling on that glorious night in a November 9 episode of SVPod. “He’s like, ‘I will give whatever we need.’ He’s like, ‘But this is look at this.’ He’s looking up and he’s like, ‘This is what we wanted,’” the analyst said. Mahomes had every reason to be in awe of the environment. Even during his days as a Red Raider, the vibes weren’t as elite. Texas Tech has gone through a serious overhaul as funds piled in, and boy have they put it to a good use.

Joey McGuire has used the money efficiently and built a squad that’s now on par with elite programs. Fans are definitely going to turn up and celebrate them for a performance like this. “He’s like, ‘I am so, so jealous of this,’” Steve quoted Patrick Mahomes. “Fireworks are randomly going off. The music’s incredible,” the analyst went off about the atmosphere at the Jones AT&T. “Think of what it would take to make Patrick Mahomes jealous in a football context,” Scott Van Pelt chimed in. “And here he is, saying it about the current Texas Tech team and what they get to enjoy.”

Texas Tech was known singularly for producing Patrick Mahomes. He was the reason why the program was even relevant. But during Joey McGuire’s leadership of the program, that hasn’t been the case. TTU is now going all in at recruiting, committed to build a team that’s going to keep people talking about them. Now, it’s about producing players who can carry on the legacy after Mahomes. “We told Joey to spend what it takes,” Cody Campbell, who has been the main donor for Texas Tech’s new look, told ESPN. “We were willing to do it to be in this position we’re in now.”

The Chiefs QB is where he is today because of his Texas Tech heroics. He couldn’t help but laud how far the program has come since his time.

Patrick Mahomes “extremely proud” of Texas Tech football’s success

Patrick Mahomes will always be a Red Raider at heart. He and his wife donated $5 million for the new TTU football facility, and continues to be dedicated for the program’s development. But as a former TTU star who never got to live this limelight, he couldn’t help but pile on appreciation for the team.

“Extremely proud. I’ve seen the work day in and day out. I’ve stayed in tune, and the guys have been fighting to get to this moment. Great opportunity to go out there and seize it,” Mahomes said on College GameDay. Of the three seasons he played at Texas Tech, 2 were losing seasons. No doubt seeing the BYU game had him jealous of all the fanfare. Because back then, fans didn’t have much to be excited for. This time, Joey McGuire and TTU have earned it. They are now in the range to book a Big 12 Championship spot for the first time in program history.

Patrick Mahomes can now talk about Texas Tech football and have others actually have some good opinions about it. This will no longer be a one-sided conversation for him. For him to be able to do that, Texas Tech has to continue building off of this seminal 2025 season.