Kalani Sitake Disappointed by End of Texas Tech’s Tortilla-Throwing Tradition

As the BYU Cougars prepare to face Texas Tech in Lubbock this weekend, head coach Kalani Sitake has expressed frustration over one of college football’s quirkiest traditions coming to an end. Texas Tech confirmed earlier this week that it will no longer allow fans to throw tortillas during kickoffs, citing new penalties imposed by the Big 12 Conference.

For Sitake, the decision carries more than just nostalgic disappointment. The BYU coach has long admired Texas Tech’s fan culture and feels that removing the tortilla toss detracts from the Red Raiders’ unique game-day atmosphere.

“I don’t have anything personally against what they do,” Sitake said, per On3’s Thomas Goldkamp. “For me, it’s sad because I want to see everything.” His comments reflect the sentiment of many fans who view the tradition as an iconic part of the Lubbock experience — a harmless expression of school spirit that made Texas Tech home games distinct.

The tradition’s cancellation adds an unusual wrinkle to this weekend’s matchup between the Cougars and Red Raiders, where emotions will already be high.

1. A Personal Connection Through Mike Leach

Sitake’s disappointment runs deeper than fandom. His connection to Texas Tech stems from his friendship with the late Mike Leach, the legendary coach who transformed the Red Raiders into an offensive powerhouse in the early 2000s. Leach, a BYU alumnus himself, became a revered figure in both programs’ histories thanks to his innovative “Air Raid” offense and his charismatic personality. “When you’re at BYU, there’s a guy named Mike Leach that coached out at Texas Tech — we all followed him because he was a BYU guy,” Sitake said. “I mean, I loved him so much. He was a great friend of mine.” That bond between the two coaches extended beyond admiration. Sitake later hired Leach’s son, Cody “Bubba” Leach, to work on his BYU coaching staff before the younger Leach returned to Mississippi State to rejoin his father. The professional and personal ties between the families deepened Sitake’s connection to the Red Raiders program. “Then I had his son Cody, Bubba, over here with us, working for me on our staff for a few years before he went back to work with his dad at Mississippi State,” Sitake added. “So there’s a lot of respect and friendship between our programs.”

2. Remembering Texas Tech’s Spirited Culture

For Sitake, Texas Tech has always represented more than just a football opponent — it’s a program steeped in passion, innovation, and energy. The tortilla-throwing tradition, which began decades ago, became a hallmark of that enthusiasm. Fans would fling tortillas onto the field during kickoffs, a gesture that symbolized Red Raider pride and playfulness. “We always followed Texas Tech and always cheered for them,” Sitake said. “I had a lot of former teammates that played for him [Leach]. So we always saw those games — it’s a really cool environment. All our guys know about it. We’re looking forward to the game.” The Big 12’s decision to enforce penalties for game-day debris has effectively ended the practice, which some officials deemed unsafe and disruptive. However, many within the college football community — including Sitake — believe traditions like this help preserve the sport’s regional character and spirit. While the end of the tortilla toss marks the close of an era in Lubbock, Sitake’s comments serve as a reminder of how much these rituals mean to fans, players, and coaches alike.

3. Focus Shifts to the Field

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Despite his disappointment over the tradition’s demise, Sitake remains focused on the task ahead — preparing his Cougars for a challenging road game against Texas Tech. BYU enters the matchup looking to maintain momentum as the season enters its final stretch, while the Red Raiders seek a statement win at home. Both teams have battled inconsistency this season, but the emotional weight of this matchup adds intrigue. For Sitake, who carries a deep personal connection to the Texas Tech program through the Leach family, the visit to Lubbock is as much a tribute as it is a competition. The BYU coach emphasized that his respect for the Red Raiders remains unwavering. “It’s always great to go to a place with such tradition,” he said. “Even without the tortillas, we know the atmosphere will be special.” Kalani Sitake’s fondness for Texas Tech — and his ties to the late Mike Leach — make the end of the Red Raiders’ tortilla-throwing tradition a sentimental loss, even as BYU turns its attention to Saturday’s game in Lubbock.