The Texas Tech Red Raiders hold a proud place in NCAA athletics, blending tradition with competitive spirit. Known for their achievements in Texas Red Raiders football and other sports, the Texas Red Raiders have built a rich history of championships, standout players, and passionate fans who continue to support the program’s success across the nation.
College Sports Established
1925
Location
Lubbock, Texas
College Name
Texas Tech University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1925 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1996 - Present / Big 12 Conference
1956 - 1996 / Southwest Conference
1932 - 1956 / Border Conference
1925 - 1932 / Independent
Nickname
Red Raiders - Texas Tech Red Raiders have been a part of the NCAA for over 100 years, and their nickname has become integral to their identity. But where did this iconic moniker come from? Look at the origins of Texas Tech’s beloved Red Raider name.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Origin
“Red Raider” was first used in 1925 when then-athletic director Clifford B. Jones wanted to create a mascot representing Texas A&M and its rival school, The University of Texas (UT). He chose to go with two colors: red and black, representing UT's burnt orange color scheme while also honoring the Aggies' maroon hues. After much deliberation by students on campus, they called themselves "Red Raiders" as it embodied their spirit for competition against other schools in various sports events throughout the Southwest Conference at that time - hence why we still refer to them today as "the Big 12."
Over time, several mascots were created, which included costumed characters such as Masked Rider (a student dressed up like an old west cowboy) or Guns Up! (an armed rider who waved his gun around during football games). In addition to these physical mascots, many logos were designed to feature Native American imagery or war-like themes associated with being brave warriors – alluding again to what it means to be a Red Raider: fierce competitors who never give up no matter how tough things get!
As you can see now, after learning about the history behind this unique nickname students gave nearly one hundred years ago, it is clear why so many people are proud supporters today when referring proudly say Go “Raiders!"
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 1
1993
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1991 - 1993
- 1993
- 2013
- 2016
- 2017
- 2019
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Lady Red Raider – Sheryl Swoopes
In 1993, Swoopes won the NCAA women’s basketball championship with the Texas Tech Lady Raiders during her senior season. Her jersey was retired by the school the following year, making her one of only three Lady Raiders to be honored in this way. The others are Carolyn Thompson and Krista Kirkland, Swoopes’ teammate from the 1993 championship team. As of ... -
Lady Texas Tech NCAA Champs 1993
The 1993 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament began on March 17 and ended on April 4. The tournament featured 48 teams. The Final Four consisted of Ohio State, Iowa, Vanderbilt, and Texas Tech, with Texas Tech defeating Ohio State 84–82 to win its first NCAA title. Texas Tech’s Sheryl Swoopes was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. -
Kliff Kingsbury – youngest head coach in a BCS conference
2013: Texas Tech hires Kliff Kingsbury as its head football coach, becoming the youngest head coach in a BCS conference at age 33 and the first former Red Raider quarterback to coach the team. -
Texas Tech wins Big 12 women’s soccer title
In 2016: Texas Tech wins its first Big 12 women’s soccer title and makes its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, coached by Tom Stone who becomes the winningest coach in program history. -
Red Raiders defended their Big 12 title
The 2017 Red Raiders defended their Big 12 title with a 16-8 conference mark, capped off by a three-game sweep at home against Kansas. Tech won six of its eight conference sets with a pair of sweeps en route to the title. -
Red Raiders Basketball team reaches National championship final
In 2019: Texas Tech reaches the national championship game for the first time in men’s basketball, but loses to Virginia in overtime. Virginia wins national title over Texas Tech in overtime classic
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Texas Tech Red Raiders History
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have a proud and storied tradition in NCAA sports, establishing themselves as a powerhouse since their founding in 1923. From early beginnings to modern success, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have earned recognition across the nation for their competitive spirit, passionate fans, and sustained excellence in collegiate athletics.
One of the most celebrated achievements for the Texas Tech Red Raiders came in men’s basketball during the 2018–2019 season. The team reached the NCAA National Championship game against Virginia Cavaliers, giving fans an unforgettable moment despite falling just short of the title. This run firmly placed the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the center of national basketball conversation and raised the profile of Texas Red Raiders basketball to historic levels.
In addition to basketball success, the Texas Red Raiders football program has also developed a reputation for high-powered offense and consistent competition. Since joining the Big 12 Conference, the team has achieved multiple winning seasons and produced standout players such as Patrick Mahomes. Although the claim of 11 conference titles since 2000 is incorrect, the Texas Red Raiders football team has competed in dozens of bowl games, including notable appearances in the Cotton Bowl, Holiday Bowl, and Alamo Bowl, proving its enduring strength within NCAA football.
Beyond football and basketball, the Texas Tech Red Raiders excel in other sports like baseball, track and field, and women’s athletics. The baseball team has advanced to several College World Series appearances in the last decade, while track and field athletes have earned individual NCAA championships and All-American honors. These successes show that the Texas Red Raiders compete at the highest level across many disciplines.
Red Raiders Achievements
Over the years, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have also developed an impressive roster of alumni who went on to professional success. NFL stars, NBA draft picks, Olympic athletes, and MLB standouts have worn the scarlet and black before moving on to national and international fame. This pipeline of elite talent is a testament to the program’s ability to prepare athletes for life after college.
Today, the Texas Tech Red Raiders remain a source of pride for fans and the state of Texas. Whether it’s the roar of a sold-out stadium during Texas Red Raiders football games or the energy of a packed arena for basketball, the tradition continues to grow. With its history of championships, iconic players, and passionate fan base, the Texas Red Raiders stand as one of the premier athletic programs in the nation.
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