Where Did Patrick Mahomes Go to College?

Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and exciting players in the NFL today. With his incredible arm strength, agility, and ability to make plays under pressure, he has quickly become a household name.

However, before he became an NFL superstar, Mahomes was developing his skills for his professional career at the college level. So, where did Patrick Mahomes go to college? Mahomes attended Texas Tech University, where he played for the Red Raiders football team.

College Years at Texas Tech University

Patrick Mahomes enrolled at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, in 2014. Texas Tech, a member of the Big 12 Conference, is known for its strong athletic programs and high-octane offensive football style, which perfectly suited Mahomes' playing abilities.

After graduating from Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, TX, Mahomes was a three-star recruit, recognized for his potential but not yet considered an elite prospect. However, his time at Texas Tech would change that perception dramatically.

Freshman Year

During his freshman year in 2014, Mahomes began as a backup quarterback to Davis Webb. However, due to other players' injuries and his impressive performances in practice, Mahomes was a starter later in the season.

He appeared in seven games, starting in the final three, and quickly showed his potential. Mahomes threw for over 1,500 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, demonstrating a strong arm and a knack for making plays both inside and outside the pocket.

His performances, particularly his 598-yard, six-touchdown effort against Baylor, set the stage for what would come next.

Sophomore Year

By his sophomore year in 2015, Mahomes had solidified his position as Texas Tech's starting quarterback. He led the Big 12 Conference in several statistical categories, including passing yards and total offense.

Mahomes threw for over 4,600 yards with 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while also adding nearly 500 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make difficult throws on the run drew attention from scouts and analysts across the country.

Texas Tech's high-powered offense, led by head coach Kliff Kingsbury, gave Mahomes the freedom to showcase his full range of skills, allowing him to make a name for himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

Junior Year

Mahomes's junior year in 2016 was when he truly cemented his status as an elite college quarterback and a top NFL prospect. He led the nation in passing yards (5,052) and total offense (5,312 yards) while throwing for 41 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

His 734-yard, five-touchdown performance against the University of Oklahoma in a 66-59 shootout remains one of the most memorable games in college football history and exemplifies his ability to put up staggering numbers and perform in high-pressure situations.

Despite Mahomes' outstanding individual performances, Texas Tech struggled defensively, leading to a less-than-stellar team record. However, Mahomes' ability to produce extraordinary numbers and showcase his leadership and resilience stood out to NFL scouts.

By the end of his junior season, Mahomes had set several school and NCAA records, making it clear that he was ready to take his talents to the next level.

Declaring for the NFL Draft

Following his standout junior season, Mahomes decided not to attend college during his senior year and instead declared for the 2017 NFL Draft. He wanted to take advantage of his high draft stock and capitalize on his record-setting college career.

His decision proved to be a good one?ahomes was selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, who saw in him the potential to become a franchise quarterback.

Impact of College Experience on Mahomes' NFL Career

Patrick Mahomes' time at Texas Tech played a crucial role in his development as a quarterback. The high-tempo, pass-heavy offense he ran under Coach Kliff Kingsbury allowed him to develop his arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making skills.

Plus, playing in the Big 12 Conference, known for its high-scoring offenses and less emphasis on defense, gave Mahomes numerous opportunities to become a star quarterback in a competitive environment.

The challenges he faced at Texas Tech, including playing on a team that often struggled defensively, helped Mahomes develop the resilience and mental toughness that have become hallmarks of his NFL career. He learned to lead by example, perform under pressure, and make the most of every opportunity?raits that have served him well in the NFL.