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Showing posts from August, 2025

Guns Up! Red Raiders Roar in Season Opener Dominance

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  By WreckEmInsider The wait is over, and the Red Raiders have spoken loud and clear. Texas Tech delivered a jaw-dropping statement in our season opener, crushing Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67–7 in a game that finished well before the full four quarters—proof positive that this team means business from the first whistle. Here’s how things unfolded: Blistering offense: Texas Tech poured it on early. A commanding 47–0 lead at halftime set the tone, and the game was even cut short due to a 90-minute weather delay , shifting to just 8-minute quarters after the break. Preseason buzz validated: Coming off our first preseason Top 25 ranking in years, the Red Raiders backed it up with fireworks on the field. Key moments to celebrate: The offense clicked with precision. Coaching decisions showed poise—even with weather disruptions, the team stayed focused. Fans got a show—this was gameday energy at its finest. What This Means for the Season Ahead Momentum is on o...

Spotlight on Lady Raiders Basketball: A 2025–26 Season Preview

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  Texas Tech Lady Raiders Basketball Preview 2025–26 • Rising Stars & Team Momentum Get the inside scoop on the Texas Tech Lady Raiders’ upcoming 2025–26 season: nonconference schedule details, promising young talent, coach Krista Gerlich’s leadership, and what fans can expect heading into the new year. Opening: Wreck Em Insider here—locking in our sights on the Texas Tech Lady Raiders as they gear up for the pivotal 2025–26 season . We’re breaking down their upcoming nonconference schedule, spotlighting rising stars, and exploring how momentum is building around Lubbock’s favorite team. 1. Nonconference Schedule: A Home-Court Focus The Lady Raiders recently unveiled their 2025–26 nonconference schedule , showcasing eight home games to anchor their early season at the United Supermarkets Arena. This slate includes familiar foes like North Carolina A&T , UTSA , SMU , Arkansas , Mississippi State , plus tournament action—such as the Hoopfest Women's Basketball Challenge ...

Texas Tech Marks Record-Breaking Enrollment with More Than 10,000 Undergraduate Students

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Record-Breaking Incoming Undergraduate Class at Texas Tech Written by WreckEmInsider Texas Tech University has officially made history. As the Fall 2025 semester kicks off, the university welcomed its largest-ever undergraduate class —a milestone that highlights both the growth and national appeal of the Red Raider community. This year, more than 10,000 new undergraduate students joined Texas Tech, including an impressive 7,600 first-time freshmen , representing a 12% increase compared to 2024. The record-breaking enrollment showcases the university’s rising reputation as a destination for academic excellence, groundbreaking research opportunities, and unforgettable student life. University officials credit this surge to expanded academic programs, enhanced student support services, and competitive scholarship packages that have made Texas Tech more accessible than ever. From first-generation students to international scholars, this incoming class reflects the diversity and streng...

Texas Tech Key Matchups to Watch This Season

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  Schedule Athletic Calendar Breakdown: Key Matchups to Watch This Season 1. Football — Texas Tech at Kansas State (Nov. 1) Dubbed by ESPN as possibly "the most impactful teams in this year’s title race" within the Big 12, this showdown could determine who drives toward the conference crown. It’s a matchup the schedule-makers clearly marked as pivotal.   2. Football — Texas Tech at Arizona State (Oct. 18) A rematch featuring the reigning Big 12 champion. The Red Raiders previously topped ASU 30‑22 in Lubbock—but this time, both teams will likely be firing on all cylinders.   3. Football — Farmageddon: Iowa State vs. Kansas State in Dublin (Season opener) Though not involving Texas Tech directly, this neutral-site opener sets the tone for the season, signaling how the Big 12 race might shape up. Analysts predict a tense, physical clash with Iowa State narrowly edging K‑State 24‑21.   4. Men’s Basketball — Home-and-Home Series with Houston, BYU, Colorado In 2...

Texas Tech Researchers Earn Breakthrough Prize in Physics

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  Texas Tech Researchers Earn Breakthrough Prize in Physics Written by WreckEmInsider Texas Tech University is once again making headlines on the global stage—this time in the field of fundamental physics . A team of Texas Tech researchers has been co-honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics , the most prestigious science award in the world, for their collaborative work with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments, CMS and ATLAS . Often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” the Breakthrough Prize recognizes groundbreaking discoveries that transform our understanding of the universe. By contributing to the international efforts at the LHC, Texas Tech scientists have positioned the university among the leaders in cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge. Texas Tech’s Role in the Discovery The CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) and ATLAS experiments at CERN are two of the largest and most powerful scientific collaborations on ...

Game Day Spotlight — Texas Tech Volleyball vs. Tarleton State 🏐

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  The wait is finally over, Raider Nation! Texas Tech Volleyball is back in action today as the Red Raiders take on Tarleton State in their first exhibition matchup of the season. The match is set for 2:00 p.m. inside United Supermarkets Arena here in Lubbock, and fans are ready to see the energy, grit, and fight that define Red Raider Volleyball. 🔴⚫️ What to Watch For New Faces, Big Moments – Several fresh players will make their debut in scarlet and black. How they blend in with returning stars will set the tone for the season. Team Chemistry – This is the first look at rotations and on-court dynamics. Expect Coach Tony Graystone to test lineups and build balance across the floor. Early Momentum – An exhibition may not count in the standings, but the energy from this match can carry into the regular season and spark confidence for the team. 📊 What’s Next After today’s showdown with Tarleton State, the Red Raiders turn their focus toward a tough non-conferen...

Texas Tech Women’s Soccer Stuns Santa Clara with Early Strike in 2–1 Victory

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  Texas Tech women’s soccer grabbed a 2–1 win over Santa Clara with a goal just 19 seconds in and another from Big 12 Player of the Week Taylor Zdrojewski. Written by WreckEmInsider The Red Raiders wasted no time making a statement. Just 19 seconds into the match , Texas Tech women’s soccer stunned Santa Clara with an opening goal that set the tone for what would become a hard-fought 2–1 victory . From the opening whistle, the energy was electric. The Red Raiders pressed high, and their early pressure paid off instantly with the lightning-fast strike. Building on the momentum, Taylor Zdrojewski , the reigning Big 12 Player of the Week , found the back of the net with a composed finish to give Tech the breathing room they needed. Santa Clara battled back, cutting into the lead with a goal of their own, but Texas Tech’s backline held strong in the closing minutes. With grit, organization, and determination, the Red Raiders closed out the match to secure another important non-confe...

Texas Tech and FBI Team Up in Landmark Cybersecurity Partnership

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🛡️ Texas Tech Partners with FBI to Strengthen Cybersecurity By WreckEmInsider A Landmark Partnership for National Security The Texas Tech University System has entered a groundbreaking Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) . This collaboration highlights Texas Tech’s growing reputation as a leader in research and innovation, especially in areas that impact both national and global security. At the center of this agreement is the Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI) at Texas Tech. CISI’s mission is to develop strategies and technologies that protect essential systems such as: ⚡ The power grid 💧 Water utilities 🏥 Healthcare systems 🛡️ Defense and energy sectors By combining Texas Tech’s research capabilities with the FBI’s expertise, the partnership aims to bolster defenses against cyberattacks and train the next generation of security experts. What This Means for Texas Tech and the Community...

Top 10 Texas Tech Athletes Excelling in the Pros Right Now

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  From Patrick Mahomes to rising NFL rookies and NBA standouts, check out the Top 10 Texas Tech athletes currently excelling in professional sports. Written by WreckEmInsider Texas Tech University has a proud tradition of producing elite athletes who go on to shine in the professional ranks. From NFL Sundays to NBA arenas and MLB ballparks, Red Raiders are making their mark. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Texas Tech athletes currently excelling in the pros . 1. Patrick Mahomes – NFL (Kansas City Chiefs) No list is complete without the face of the franchise. Mahomes, already a three-time Super Bowl champion and MVP, continues to redefine quarterback play. Beyond the gridiron, his $5 million donation toward Texas Tech’s new football facilities cements his legacy in Raiderland. 2. Jordyn Brooks – NFL (Miami Dolphins) One of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL, Brooks has amassed over 650 tackles in his career. His consistency and leadership make him a defensive anchor in Mi...

Last Call Before Football” — A Preseason Tradition Returns at Jones AT&T Stadium

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  Last Call Before Football” — A Preseason Tradition Returns at Jones AT&T Stadium Written by WreckEmInsider As summer winds down and football season nears, Raider Nation comes together for one of its favorite preseason traditions — the Texas Tech Club’s “Last Call Before Football” event, hosted today at Jones AT&T Stadium . This annual gathering is more than just a party; it’s a spirited kickoff to the season, blending excitement, camaraderie, and that signature Red Raider energy. Fans, alumni, and supporters will enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks , while also getting the chance to win big in raffles for game tickets . The event highlights what makes Texas Tech special: a strong sense of community, pride in tradition, and unshakable loyalty to the Red and Black. Whether you’re reconnecting with fellow alumni, meeting new friends, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, “Last Call Before Football” is designed to remind us all that game day is more than football ...

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...