Patrick Mahomes Returns to Lubbock as Guest Picker for ESPN’s College GameDay

Texas Tech’s football program will have a familiar face back in town this weekend as former Red Raiders star and current NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes returns to Lubbock. ESPN announced on Friday, November 7, that Mahomes will appear as the celebrity guest picker on College GameDay for the Texas Tech vs. BYU matchup on Saturday, November 8. The appearance marks a homecoming for Mahomes, who remains one of the most celebrated players in the school’s history.

“Come on now, you know [Patrick Mahomes] had to come back to Lubbock to be this weekend’s guest picker,” ESPN wrote in its announcement post. Fans quickly expressed excitement online, viewing Mahomes’ return as both a symbolic and emotional moment for the program.

The matchup between Texas Tech and BYU carries extra meaning for the Red Raiders, who have battled through an up-and-down season but remain competitive in Big 12 play. The presence of Mahomes — a global ambassador for Texas Tech athletics — adds another layer of excitement to what’s already shaping up to be a marquee event in Lubbock.

For Mahomes, the visit offers a rare chance to reconnect with the university that launched his football career and to celebrate the Red Raiders in front of a national audience.

1. A College Career that Sparked a Superstar

Mahomes’ journey from Lubbock to NFL superstardom began during his three seasons with the Red Raiders from 2014 to 2016. Known for his explosive arm strength and improvisational playmaking, Mahomes shattered multiple school and NCAA records during his tenure. Over his final two college seasons, he amassed more than 9,600 passing yards and 77 touchdowns against 25 interceptions — numbers that made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football history. Despite playing on teams that often struggled defensively, Mahomes’ offensive brilliance was undeniable. His record-breaking 734-yard passing performance against Oklahoma in 2016 remains one of the most memorable games in Big 12 history. Following his junior year, Mahomes declared for the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Kansas City Chiefs selected him with the 10th overall pick. The move would forever alter the course of the franchise — and modern football. Mahomes’ collegiate legacy continues to resonate deeply in Lubbock, where fans still credit him for elevating Texas Tech’s national profile. His return to campus this weekend underscores that enduring connection.

2. From College Phenom to NFL Icon

After spending his rookie year behind veteran quarterback Alex Smith, Mahomes took over as Kansas City’s starter in 2018 and immediately rewrote the NFL record books. That season, he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Since then, Mahomes has cemented himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation. He has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in each victory. His résumé includes two NFL MVP awards, six Pro Bowl selections, and three All-Pro nods — two First-Team and one Second-Team. Now in his eighth NFL season, Mahomes continues to post elite numbers. Through nine games in 2025, he ranks third in passing yards (2,349) and is tied for fourth in touchdowns (17), while leading a Chiefs team that sits at 5-4 entering their bye week. Kansas City’s recent loss to the Buffalo Bills snapped a three-game win streak, but expectations remain sky-high as they prepare for matchups against Denver, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Houston in the coming weeks. With the Chiefs idle this weekend, Mahomes’ schedule aligned perfectly for a return to Lubbock — and for fans, it’s an ideal chance to see their hometown hero celebrate his roots while representing the program on a national stage.

3. Lubbock Welcomes Its Champion Home

For Texas Tech fans, Mahomes’ appearance on College GameDay goes beyond football. It’s a moment of pride for a university that has watched one of its own ascend to global superstardom while never forgetting his beginnings. Mahomes has remained a consistent supporter of Texas Tech since turning pro, frequently donating to the athletic department and promoting the school in interviews. His return as GameDay’s guest picker adds another memorable chapter to his relationship with the program. The buzz surrounding Saturday’s broadcast highlights just how much Mahomes means to the Red Raider community. Fans are expected to pack the College GameDay set in Lubbock, with many donning Mahomes jerseys alongside Texas Tech gear — a blend of collegiate loyalty and NFL admiration. As kickoff approaches, Mahomes’ presence serves as a reminder of how deeply his legacy is woven into the fabric of Texas Tech football — and how the Red Raiders continue to inspire his passion for the game.