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Big 12 Tortilla Toss Rule Could Impact Texas Tech

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  The End of an Era? The Big 12’s Three-Strike Rule Meets Texas Tech’s Beloved Tortilla Toss Written by WreckEmInsider A Tradition in the Hot Seat One of college football’s quirkiest traditions— Texas Tech Red Raiders fans launching tortillas onto the field after scores or at kickoff —has found itself entangled in new Big 12 penalties. Once tolerated as harmless fun and a hallmark of Raider gameday flair, it now faces a crackdown that could alter its future. What’s Changed? In a 15–1 vote , Big 12 athletic directors moved to reinforce an existing policy banning the throwing of objects onto the playing surface—crafting clear consequences for repeat offenses: 1st offense : Public-address warning. 2nd offense : Possible clearing of the offending stadium section or pausing gameplay with announcements. 3rd offense : A 15-yard penalty assessed on the field. Previously, while the rule existed, enforcement was patchy at best. The new formalized penalty structure represents...

Masked Rider Hospitalized After Riding Incident at Texas Tech

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 Texas Tech’s beloved Masked Rider, Rose Rosas, was hospitalized after a riding incident on campus. She’s now recovering, and Centennial Champion is safe. Full details inside. Lubbock, TX – Texas Tech’s iconic game-day tradition took an unexpected turn Friday evening when the university’s current Masked Rider, Rose Rosas , was involved in a riding incident on campus. The accident occurred during a campus event, prompting immediate medical attention. Rosas was transported to a local hospital where she is now reported to be in stable condition and “in good spirits,” according to university officials. The horse, Centennial Champion —a beloved symbol of Red Raider pride—was unharmed and quickly secured by the Masked Rider team and staff. The Masked Rider program, first introduced in 1954, is one of Texas Tech’s most recognized and cherished traditions. The rider, dressed in all black with a flowing cape, leads the football team onto the field atop a black horse before every home game...

TTUHSC El Paso Launches Groundbreaking Biomedical Ph.D. Program

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  Written by WreckEmInsider Written by WreckEmInsider EL PASO, TEXAS (by Natalie Venegas, updated August 14, 2025) — In a landmark development for the Borderplex region, Texas Tech Health El Paso has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer its first-ever Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences , a transformational milestone for research and graduate education in Far West Texas. The program, set to begin in 2026 , will be the only doctoral-level biomedical sciences track in the Southwestern border region . Under the leadership of Dr. Lakshmanaswamy , the inaugural cohort is expected to begin with five to six students, with plans to expand to 30–35 students within five years. Curriculum Designed for Regional Impact Crafted to serve the unique needs of the Borderplex , this Ph.D. program emphasizes research on rural access to care , and chronic conditions like diabetes , cancer , and neurological diseases —all health challenges disproportionately a...

Texas Tech’s Big 3: JT Toppin, Christian Anderson & Darrion Williams — The Best Trio in College Basketball?

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Texas Tech basketball is powered by JT Toppin, Christian Anderson, and Darrion Williams. Could this Red Raider trio be the best in college hoops? We break down their stats, star power, and title potential. Does Texas Tech Have the Best Trio in College Basketball? The question buzzing around the Big 12 — and maybe the entire country — is simple: Does Texas Tech have the best trio in college basketball right now? With a returning All-American, a breakout sophomore guard, and a tournament-tested scorer, the Red Raiders certainly have a case. Meet the Big 3 JT Toppin — The anchor of the team and the heart of the Red Raiders’ frontcourt. After earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors and averaging 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last season, Toppin tested the NBA Draft waters. Instead, he returned to Lubbock — reportedly turning down pro opportunities thanks in part to a massive ~$4 million NIL package. He’s a legitimate National Player of the Year candidate. Christian Ande...

NiJaree Canady: From Red Raider Ace to NIL Trailblazer

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  Texas Tech softball has found its face of the future—and the present—in NiJaree Canady . The Red Raiders’ star pitcher is doing more than just striking out batters; she’s striking gold in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, setting new benchmarks for women’s college sports. Canady recently re-signed a seven-figure NIL contract with Texas Tech, reinforcing her status as one of the most marketable athletes in the NCAA. Her value goes beyond the stat sheet—though those numbers are impressive enough to make any opposing hitter nervous. In addition to her on-field dominance, Canady has also inked a major partnership as a Venmo brand ambassador for the Big 12 , further solidifying her reach in the growing digital economy. Her journey is more than a personal win—it’s a reflection of the seismic shift happening in women’s athletics. With growing NIL opportunities, female athletes like Canady are proving that marketability, influence, and star power aren’t limited to me...

Red Raiders in the NFL: Preseason Week 1 Highlights & Stats

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 Former Texas Tech stars shine in NFL Preseason Week 1! See Patrick Mahomes, Tahj Brooks, and more Red Raiders making plays across the league. 🏈 Red Raiders in the NFL: Preseason Week 1 Recap Texas Tech pride was on full display in Week 1 of the NFL preseason, as former Red Raiders made their mark across the league. From clutch touchdowns to standout defensive plays, here’s how our alumni performed: Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs Mahomes made the most of his limited action, going a perfect 1-for-1 for 1 yard and tossing a touchdown. Efficiency at its finest. Tahj Brooks – Cincinnati Bengals The rookie running back saw plenty of work, racking up 10 carries for 26 yards. He also contributed on special teams with 3 total tackles, showing his versatility. Bralyn Lux – Cincinnati Bengals Lux added 3 total tackles to help bolster the Bengals’ defense. Tyree Wilson – Las Vegas Raiders Wilson logged 2 tackles, continuing to bring his physical presence off the edge. Josh Ke...

Texas Tech Ranked No. 23 in AP Preseason Poll for First Time in Nearly 20 Years

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders make their first appearance in the AP Preseason Top 25 in nearly two decades, landing at No. 23 under head coach Joey McGuire. Here’s what it means for the 2025 season. Red Raiders Make Triumphant Return to AP Preseason Top 25 For the first time in nearly two decades, Texas Tech football fans have something extra to cheer about before the season even begins—the Red Raiders are ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press Preseason Poll . This milestone marks a new chapter for the program under head coach Joey McGuire , whose leadership and strong recruiting efforts have brought a fresh spark to Lubbock. The ranking reflects not only last season’s positive momentum but also the growing national respect Texas Tech is beginning to earn again. The 2025 roster is stacked with talent, blending seasoned veterans with promising new additions. Known for their aggressive style of play and electric game-day atmosphere, the Red Raiders have all the tools to make this season sp...