Patrick Mahomes' College Journey: Stats, Highlights & More

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the college career of Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs' superstar quarterback. Before he was dazzling us with no-look passes and incredible throws in the NFL, Mahomes was lighting up college football. We'll be taking a look at his time at Texas Tech University, examining his stats, the memorable moments, and the impact he had on the Red Raiders. Get ready for a trip down memory lane, focusing on the college days of one of the most electrifying players in the game!

Early Days and Recruitment

Let's rewind a bit, shall we? Before the records, the Super Bowl rings, and the massive endorsements, a young Patrick Mahomes was just a high school kid with a dream. He was a multi-sport athlete at Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, Texas, showcasing his talents in football, baseball, and basketball. He was an incredibly athletic player from the start, as he had an unusual talent in many sports.

His athleticism caught the eye of college recruiters, and he initially committed to play college football for the Texas A&M Aggies. However, things took a turn, and he eventually flipped his commitment to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. This decision would prove to be a pivotal moment, shaping his career and setting the stage for his future NFL stardom. The choice to play for Texas Tech was the start of an amazing journey.

Now, the Red Raiders were known for their high-octane, pass-heavy offense under coach Kliff Kingsbury. This offensive style was a perfect match for Mahomes' skill set. He had a strong arm, excellent decision-making skills, and the ability to make plays on the run. These qualities quickly made him a great quarterback to watch, and the fans loved him from the start. This was the beginning of his college football adventure, as he prepared himself to dominate the college league.

This early stage set the foundation for Mahomes' remarkable college career, which gave him the experience and confidence he needed to achieve his dreams. This decision was key to his success because he was able to grow and reach a new level of play under the guidance of his coach. This foundation helped him develop the skills he would need for the NFL.

Mahomes' High School Stats

  • Football: 9,455 passing yards, 119 touchdowns, and 1,288 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He was ranked as a three-star recruit by most services.
  • Baseball: Pitched a no-hitter and was considered a top baseball prospect.
  • Basketball: Averaged 12.5 points per game.

The Texas Tech Era: Stats and Performances

Alright, let's get into the meat of it – Mahomes' college stats and performances! His time at Texas Tech was nothing short of exciting. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his incredible arm strength and the ability to make seemingly impossible throws. His highlights were constantly circulating online. He had a knack for creating plays when everything broke down, which made him super fun to watch. Here's a quick rundown of his college career:

  • 2014: Mahomes played in seven games as a true freshman, mostly as a backup. He showed flashes of his potential but didn't get a ton of playing time behind the starting quarterback, Davis Webb. He completed 22 of 41 passes for 260 yards and 4 touchdowns, adding 58 rushing yards and a touchdown.
  • 2015: He took over as the full-time starter. Mahomes had a breakout season, throwing for 36 touchdowns and 4,653 yards. The Red Raiders' offense became incredibly dynamic, and they were fun to watch. He also rushed for 445 yards and 10 touchdowns. He set multiple school records and established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
  • 2016: This was Mahomes' final season at Texas Tech, and he put up even bigger numbers. He threw for a whopping 5,052 yards and 41 touchdowns. He led the nation in passing yards per game, showcasing his incredible talent and consistency. His performance solidified his status as a top NFL prospect. His college career was amazing, and it prepared him for greatness.

Key Stats and Achievements

  • Passing Yards: 11,252 yards
  • Touchdown Passes: 93
  • Completion Percentage: 63.5%
  • Rushing Yards: 844 yards
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 22

Mahomes' ability to throw from different angles and make incredible plays became his trademark at Texas Tech. He showed off his arm strength with deep throws and his athleticism with his ability to scramble and make plays outside the pocket. His performances at Texas Tech proved his talent, which made NFL scouts take notice. His unique style of play made him stand out from other college players.

Memorable Moments and Games

There were plenty of memorable moments during Mahomes' time at Texas Tech. The Red Raiders might not have been a perennial powerhouse, but they always provided exciting games. Here are some of the standout moments:

  • 2015 vs. Baylor: Mahomes put on a show in a game against Baylor, throwing for an astounding 598 yards and 6 touchdowns. Despite losing, his performance was legendary. This game showed the world what he was capable of.
  • 2016 vs. Oklahoma: This was another thrilling contest. Mahomes threw for 734 yards and 5 touchdowns. While the Red Raiders didn't win, these high-scoring games were a testament to his talent.
  • Multiple Games with Huge Yardage: Mahomes consistently put up massive passing yardage numbers, making him a must-watch player every week. These performances helped him gain recognition and established him as one of the top college quarterbacks.

His ability to deliver spectacular performances, even in the face of tough competition, made him a captivating player. The games he played in were filled with drama and highlighted his skills. These highlights cemented his place in college football history.

Top Games

  • 2015 vs. Baylor: 598 passing yards, 6 touchdowns.
  • 2016 vs. Oklahoma: 734 passing yards, 5 touchdowns.
  • 2016 vs. TCU: 586 passing yards, 6 touchdowns.

Impact on Texas Tech and Legacy

Patrick Mahomes had a significant impact on Texas Tech football. He brought excitement and national attention to the program, turning the Red Raiders into must-see TV. His electrifying play style drew fans to the stadium and boosted the school's profile. He has helped them develop more talented players.

His time at Texas Tech gave fans a glimpse of the future NFL star. His presence made the games more interesting, giving hope to the team and its fans. Mahomes helped the school build a winning culture, which is still helping the school in the present day. His legacy extends beyond his stats. He is a role model for young athletes.

Legacy

  • Record-Breaking Performances: He broke multiple school records.
  • NFL Draft: He was a first-round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
  • Fan Favorite: He became a beloved figure among Red Raiders fans.

Transition to the NFL and Beyond

After his stellar college career, Mahomes entered the NFL Draft. He was selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. The rest, as they say, is history. He sat behind Alex Smith for a season. Then, he took over as the starter in 2018 and has since become one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the league.

He quickly earned the NFL MVP award. He led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances, winning two of them and solidifying his place among the all-time greats. His college career was a launching pad for his professional success. His journey from Texas Tech to the NFL is an inspiring story of talent and hard work.

His skills and determination have made him an icon. Mahomes continues to chase greatness. He is one of the most exciting players in the NFL. His transition from college to the NFL highlights his growth as a player. He continues to perform at the highest level.

Accomplishments

  • NFL MVP: 2018, 2022
  • Super Bowl Champion: Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII
  • Super Bowl MVP: Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! A look back at Patrick Mahomes' college career at Texas Tech. From his early days as a dual-sport athlete to his record-breaking performances, Mahomes' journey is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the right environment for him to shine. His time at Texas Tech set the stage for his NFL stardom. Thanks for reading, and keep an eye out for more awesome content!