Patrick Mahomes has established himself as a premier athlete in the NFL, clinching the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2018 and 2022, along with three Super Bowl victories—all by the time he turned 30. However, before his rise to stardom in the NFL, Mahomes was a standout quarterback at Texas Tech University, where he broke numerous passing records.
Mahomes played for the Red Raiders from 2014 to 2016, starting with humble beginnings as the 398th prospect in the 2014 recruiting class. Despite this, he proved to be a force on the field. Throughout his college career, Mahomes showcased remarkable statistics: he completed 857 passes out of 1,349 attempts for a completion rate of 63.5%, accumulating over 11,200 passing yards along with 93 touchdowns and a passer rating of 152.0.
His college journey was marked by impressive performances that set multiple records. Notably, on October 22, 2016, in a game against Oklahoma, Mahomes threw for an astonishing 734 yards—the highest recorded in FBS history—and combined with opposing quarterback Baker Mayfield for a staggering total of 1,279 passing yards in one game.
Mahomes’ achievements in college include being the recipient of the 2016 Sammy Baugh Trophy and earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. He was also recognized as the Freshman Offensive Player of the Year in 2014, highlighting his early impact on the field.
Despite his success, Mahomes faced challenges before ascending to the NFL, including an initial struggle with his team’s record at Texas Tech (13-19 during his tenure). His determination and talent, however, shone brightly and set the stage for his successful professional career.
In evaluating Mahomes’ college career, comparisons with NFL legend Tom Brady arise, particularly in terms of their development and the styles of play they epitomized. Coaches and teammates praised Mahomes for his natural talent, competitive spirit, and ability to extend plays, praising his improvisational skills and accuracy on the run.
Overall, Mahomes’ evolution from a statistically extraordinary college quarterback to an NFL superstar serves as an inspiring narrative of talent meeting hard work. The sky is the limit for Mahomes, and as he continues to thrive in the NFL, fans can only look forward to watching him write new chapters in his storied career.