Texas Tech’s Week 1 uniform reveal had the kind of clean, old-school look fans can get behind. The Red Raiders rolled out black helmets, red jerseys and black pants Thursday, a classic combination that fits the program’s return to the flat Double T logo.
There was another change tucked into the look as well. The adidas mark that sat on the left shoulder last season is gone, replaced by the Patrick Mahomes II “Gladiator” logo.
But the detail that got people talking was what wasn’t there.
On the right shoulder, Texas Tech showed the old Big 12 logo instead of the new Big 12/Monster Energy hybrid patch that has already started popping up around the conference. That was enough to spark hope that maybe the Red Raiders would avoid the neon green look altogether.
🚨 Week 1 Ŧhreads 🚨 pic.twitter.com/q58vuz3zmf
- Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) September 3, 2026
They won’t.
The most likely explanation is simple: Texas Tech either filmed the reveal before the Monster deal was in place or before the jersey patch was swapped out. Either way, it would be a surprise if that new logo isn’t on the uniforms when the Red Raiders take the field Saturday night.
Colorado already wore the new patch Thursday night against Georgia Tech, and Utah had it on its jerseys when the Utes hosted Idaho. So Texas Tech fans should probably brace themselves for the same sight.
That’s the reality of the Big 12’s new deal with Monster Energy, announced in July, which made the company the league’s “entitlement partner.” The reported price tag was $20 million per season, or $1.25 million for each school, and plenty of fans have already made clear they think the conference sold the branding space too cheaply.
For now, though, the reveal video gave Texas Tech supporters a cleaner picture than the one they’re likely to get on Saturday.
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For the Red Raiders, landing a player of Addais caliber would fit the broader push they have made to strengthen their receiver pipeline and keep pace in the recruiting battles that matter most in Texas. With multiple high-profile schools in the mix and official visits still ahead, Texas Tech has earned a seat at the table, but the real work now is turning that opportunity into something more lasting. [Read more 🡒]
