Ranking The 10 Greatest Texas Tech football players of all time

Texas Tech University boasts a rich football legacy filled with remarkable talent and unforgettable moments. Over the years, the Red Raiders have developed numerous standout players who have excelled in college and made their mark in professional football. As the 2024 season approaches, let’s honor the top ten greatest players in the history of Texas Tech football.

Here’s the ranking of the 10 greatest Texas Tech football players of all time, highlighting their college achievements and legacy:

1. Zach Thomas (LB, 1992-1995)
   • Two-time All-American
   • Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year (1995)
   • Career stats: 390 tackles, 20 sacks, 6 interceptions
   • Known for a legendary pick-six against Texas A&M in 1995
   • NFL Hall of Fame career with the Miami Dolphins
2. Patrick Mahomes (QB, 2014-2016)
   • NCAA leader in passing yards (5,052) and total touchdowns (53) in 2016
   • Iconic performance with 734 passing yards vs. Oklahoma in 2016
   • NFL stardom with the Kansas City Chiefs, multiple Super Bowl titles
3. Donny Anderson (RB/P, 1963-1965)
   • Versatile dual-threat as a running back and punter
   • Two-time All-American, 4th in Heisman Trophy voting (1965)
   • College Football Hall of Fame inductee
4. Michael Crabtree (WR, 2007-2008)
   • Two-time Biletnikoff Award winner
   • Iconic game-winning touchdown vs. Texas in 2008
   • 231 receptions, 3,127 yards, and 41 touchdowns in just two seasons
5. E.J. Holub (C/LB, 1958-1960)
   • Dominant on both offense and defense
   • Two-time All-American
   • First Texas Tech player to have his jersey retired
6. Gabe Rivera (DT, 1979-1982)
   • Nicknamed “Señor Sack”
   • Consensus All-American (1982)
   • Career stats: 321 tackles, 34 TFLs, 14 sacks
7. Byron Hanspard (RB, 1994-1996)
   • Doak Walker Award winner (1996)
   • Rushed for 2,084 yards in a single season, joining NCAA elite
8. Billy Joe Tolliver (QB, 1985-1988)
   • Over 7,000 career passing yards and 48 touchdowns
   • Key performance: 422 yards and four touchdowns vs. TCU (1986)
9. Wes Welker (WR/PR, 2000-2003)
   • Dynamic wide receiver and punt returner
   • 259 receptions, 3,019 receiving yards, 21 receiving TDs
   • Eight punt return touchdowns, an NCAA record at the time
10. Baron Batch (RB, 2006-2010)

• 2,501 rushing yards and 1,311 receiving yards with 32 total TDs
• Memorable Alamo Bowl performance, including the game-winning score

These players represent the best of Texas Tech’s rich football history, leaving a lasting impact on the program and beyond.