Patrick Mahomes has become a household name in the NFL, celebrated for his exceptional talent, MVP awards, and Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs. Before reaching the pinnacle of professional football, Mahomes honed his skills and made a name for himself in college. For fans wondering about the origins of his football journey, the question often arises: Where Did Mahomes Go To College?
This article delves into Patrick Mahomes’ college career, exploring his time at Texas Tech University, his achievements as a Red Raider, and how his college experience laid the foundation for his NFL stardom.
Texas Tech: Mahomes’ College Football Home
Patrick Mahomes attended Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas. He played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team from 2014 to 2016. Choosing Texas Tech was a pivotal decision in his young career, setting the stage for his record-breaking college performances and subsequent NFL draft selection.
While Mahomes received interest from other programs like Oklahoma State and Rice, he ultimately decided to stay in his home state and join the Red Raiders. This choice proved to be transformative for both Mahomes and the Texas Tech football program.
Why Texas Tech?
Texas Tech, while not traditionally a college football powerhouse, offered Mahomes a unique opportunity. The Red Raiders, known for their high-octane offensive schemes, were coached by Kliff Kingsbury, who was instrumental in developing quarterbacks like Case Keenum and Johnny Manziel. Kingsbury’s offensive system, often referred to as the “Air Raid” offense, was a perfect fit for Mahomes’ skillset, emphasizing passing and allowing quarterbacks to showcase their arm talent and improvisational abilities.
For Mahomes, Texas Tech presented a platform to develop his skills in a pass-heavy offense, gain significant playing time, and potentially make a name for himself on the national stage. The decision to attend Texas Tech was not just about location but also about the strategic fit with the program’s offensive philosophy and coaching staff.
Patrick Mahomes’ College Career Stats and Highlights
During his three seasons at Texas Tech, Patrick Mahomes established himself as one of the most prolific passers in college football history. His statistics are a testament to his talent and the offensive system he thrived in.
| Year | Games | Completions | Attempts | Comp. % | Yards | Y/A | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 7 | 105 | 185 | 56.8 | 1,547 | 8.4 | 16 | 4 | 151.2 |
| 2015 | 13 | 364 | 573 | 63.5 | 4,653 | 8.1 | 36 | 15 | 147.2 |
| 2016 | 12 | 388 | 591 | 65.7 | 5,052 | 8.5 | 41 | 10 | 157.0 |
| Career | 32 | 857 | 1,349 | 63.5 | 11,252 | 8.3 | 93 | 29 | 152.0 |
These numbers reveal a consistent upward trajectory in Mahomes’ performance. From his freshman year to his junior season, he significantly increased his passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. His junior year, in particular, was statistically remarkable, as he led the nation in passing yards and total offense.
Record-Breaking Performances
Mahomes’ college career was punctuated by several record-breaking games. One game that stands out is the 2016 matchup against Oklahoma, where he set an FBS record for single-game passing yards with 734. In that same game, he also tied the record for most plays in a game with 100 and total yards gained with 819. This game, against another future NFL star quarterback Baker Mayfield, is considered one of the most exciting offensive showcases in college football history.
Another notable performance was against Baylor in 2014, during his freshman season. In a loss, Mahomes threw for 598 yards and six touchdowns, signaling his arrival as a major talent. These games and many others solidified his reputation as a quarterback capable of putting up staggering numbers.
College Awards and Recognition
Mahomes’ on-field achievements were recognized with several awards and honors during his time at Texas Tech:
- 2016 Sammy Baugh Trophy Winner: Awarded annually to the nation’s top college passer.
- 2016 Second Team All-Big 12: Recognition from the Big 12 Conference for his outstanding performance.
- All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2014, 2015, 2016): Consistent recognition for his contributions to the team.
- 2014 Big 12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year: Honoring his impressive debut season.
- Six-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week: Weekly recognition for standout performances.
These accolades highlight the consistent excellence Mahomes displayed throughout his college career and underscore his impact on the Big 12 Conference and college football as a whole.
From Recruit to Red Raider Legend: Mahomes’ High School Background
Interestingly, despite his college dominance, Patrick Mahomes was not considered a top-tier recruit coming out of high school. He was ranked as the No. 398 prospect in the 2014 recruiting class by 247Sports. This placed him as the No. 29 pro-style quarterback prospect and the No. 82 player in the state of Texas.
This relatively modest ranking underscores Mahomes’ development during his time at Texas Tech. He entered college with potential, but through hard work, coaching, and opportunity, he transformed into a record-breaking college player and ultimately an NFL superstar.
What They Said About College Mahomes
Coaches and teammates recognized Mahomes’ special talent and competitive spirit early in his college career.
- Kliff Kingsbury (Former Texas Tech Coach): “Patrick is a tremendous athlete. He can extend plays and throw it downfield… He has a knack for making plays.”
- Eric Morris (Former Texas Tech Offensive Coordinator): “He’s pretty special. It’s fun to watch him create these plays and find people downfield. How accurate he throws the ball on the run is what’s really remarkable to me.”
- Devin Lauderdale (Former Texas Tech Teammate): “Patrick has been showing up and … has been stepping up as a leader even though he is young.”
These quotes reveal the early impressions of Mahomes as a player with exceptional talent, leadership qualities, and a unique ability to make plays.
Mahomes’ College Legacy and the NFL Draft
While Texas Tech didn’t achieve major team success during Mahomes’ tenure, going 13-19 in his three seasons, his individual brilliance was undeniable. He left Texas Tech holding numerous school and NCAA records, and his performances generated significant NFL buzz.
In 2017, Patrick Mahomes declared for the NFL Draft and was selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. His transition from Texas Tech standout to NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the foundation built during his college years.
Conclusion: Texas Tech Shaped a Star
Patrick Mahomes’ college years at Texas Tech University were formative in his development into the football superstar he is today. While answering the question “where did Patrick Mahomes go to college?”, we uncover a crucial chapter in his journey. Texas Tech provided the environment, the offensive system, and the platform for Mahomes to hone his skills, break records, and demonstrate the exceptional talent that would soon captivate the NFL. His legacy at Texas Tech is one of individual brilliance and record-breaking performances that paved the way for his remarkable professional career.
