From walk-off home runs to championship celebrations, it’s been a banner year across the board for Texas Tech athletics - and the moments that defined 2025 were nothing short of electric.
Let’s start at Rocky Johnson Field, where Alana Johnson delivered one of the most memorable swings of the spring. With the bases loaded against Indiana, Johnson stepped into the box and launched a grand slam that sent her teammates spilling out of the dugout. It wasn’t just a big hit - it was the kind of moment that echoes through a season, the kind of swing that turns heads and sets the tone for a team with serious postseason aspirations.
Just a few months later, the energy at Rocky Johnson Field hit another level. The Red Raiders softball team clinched a 9-6 win over Mississippi State to take the Lubbock Regional title in the NCAA tournament.
The celebration was loud, proud, and well-earned. Demi Elder added her own exclamation point to the weekend with a home run against the Bulldogs, a blast that brought the crowd to its feet and helped punch Tech’s ticket to the next round.
Not far from the diamond, the Texas Tech women’s tennis team was busy making its own history. The squad captured the Big 12 championship, and the celebration was pure joy - a culmination of months of grind and grit. It was a moment that highlighted the program’s steady rise and the depth of talent across Texas Tech’s athletic department.
On the baseball side, Coleman Ryan flashed the leather at Dan Law Field, collecting a throwdown against Cincinnati in a Big 12 matchup. It was a snapshot of the kind of defense that keeps innings alive and momentum rolling in the right direction.
Football, of course, brought its own fireworks. Head coach Joey McGuire hoisted the Big 12 Championship trophy after a dominant 34-7 win over BYU at AT&T Stadium.
Confetti rained down as the Red Raiders celebrated a statement win - a performance that showcased the team’s physicality, discipline, and belief in McGuire’s vision. Jacob Rodriguez, one of the emotional leaders of the team, shared a heartfelt moment with his wife Emma before the game and later acknowledged the crowd on senior day, capping off a career that’s meant more than just stats on a sheet.
The defense had its own share of highlights this season. Romello Height made his presence felt with a big tackle against BYU, while Skyler Gill-Howard delivered a defensive gem, returning an interception for a touchdown against Kent State. Terrance Carter Jr. showed off his athleticism all year, hurdling an Oregon State defender in one game, then diving in for a touchdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in another.
Quarterback Behren Morton continued to evolve as a leader under center, showing poise and command in a conference matchup against Kansas. His development has been a key storyline for Tech’s offense, and he’s proving he can be the guy to lead them into the next era.
Off the field, Jones AT&T Stadium was buzzing with big names and big energy. Patrick Mahomes made an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, a homecoming moment that reminded everyone of the legacy he left behind in Lubbock.
Nick Saban even got in on the action, flashing the Guns Up gesture in front of a raucous crowd. And yes, Pat McAfee rang the Saddle Tramps bell - because when College GameDay comes to town, the party doesn't stop.
Basketball season brought its own share of highlights. JT Toppin went to work against Arkansas at the American Airlines Center, showcasing his ability to make plays in high-pressure moments. Luke Bamgboye and Christian Anderson both delivered emphatic dunks in non-conference games, energizing the crowd at United Supermarkets Arena and giving fans a glimpse of the athleticism this roster brings night in and night out.
On the women’s side, Gemma Núñez was a steady presence, distributing the ball and setting the tone against SMU. Meanwhile, the soccer team made waves of its own. Sam Courtwright and Kylie Bahr celebrated a goal against Youngstown State that helped cement a strong start to their non-conference slate.
The year wasn’t without its drama - head coach Gerry Glasco was ejected from a Big 12 softball game in late April, a fiery moment that underscored just how much was on the line. But through the ups and downs, one thing remained clear: Texas Tech’s athletic programs are on the rise, and they’re doing it with swagger, skill, and a whole lot of heart.
From the fields to the courts and everywhere in between, 2025 was a year to remember in Lubbock. And if this season was any indication, the Red Raiders are just getting started.