Texas Tech

Texas Tech University’s Red Raiders reflect a heritage of competitive excellence and resilience rooted in West Texas since 1925. With 77 conference championships and four NCAA national titles, including women’s basketball (1993) and men’s outdoor (2019) and indoor (2024) track and field, Texas Tech boasts a rich championship culture. Under coach Wes Kittley’s leadership, the track and field program has produced 16 national champions and seven Olympic medalists. The Red Raiders’ scarlet and black colors honor a fierce spirit born from their transition from the Matadors in the 1930s, representing tenacity and a relentless drive to win. Led by the iconic Masked Rider—whose striking entrance began in 1936—Red Raider football plays amid roaring crowds at Jones AT&T Stadium, which has hosted 38 bowl games. Basketball thrills continue with the championship 1993 Lady Raiders and recent Final Four appearances in United Supermarkets Arena. Texas Tech’s NFL alumni, including Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, attest to its strong professional pipeline. Rich tradition, innovation, and a “Guns Up!” battle cry unify Red Raider Nation, fueling a legacy of excellence that defines one of West Texas’s most respected athletic programs.