Texas Tech Football has long been synonymous with high-powered offenses and prolific quarterback play, especially during the Air Raid era. From record-breaking college careers to stardom at the next level in the NFL, the Red Raiders have produced some of the most dynamic signal-callers in college football history.
This list ranks the top five Texas Tech quarterbacks based on their time in Lubbock as the starting quarterback, in addition to their accomplishments at the next level - playing and coaching in the NFL.
No. 5 | Billy Joe Tolliver | Primary Starter 1985–1988
Before the Air Raid era, Tolliver was the face of Texas Tech quarterbacking for a time in the 1980s. He threw for 6,756 yards and 38 touchdowns and was a second-round pick (51st overall) in the 1989 NFL Draft. Tolliver played 12 seasons in the NFL with five teams (plus a couple practice squads) and remains one of the most successful pro quarterbacks to come out of Lubbock.
No. 4 | Kliff Kingsbury | Primary Starter 1999–2002
Kingsbury was the bridge between the Spike Dykes and Mike Leach eras, throwing for over 12,000 yards and 95 touchdowns. He set numerous school and Big 12 records and was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame. Kingsbury later played in the NFL and became a head coach at both Texas Tech and in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, further extending his football legacy.
No. 3 | B.J. Symons | Primary Starter 2003
Symons had a single season as a starter, but it was historic. In 2003, he threw for 5,833 yards and 52 touchdowns—both school records at the time and among the best single-season marks in NCAA history. Though his NFL career was brief, Symons’ statistical explosion helped redefine expectations for quarterback production in the Air Raid system, and set the tone for things to come in Lubbock.
No. 2 | Patrick Mahomes | Primary Starter 2015–2016
Mahomes dazzled with his arm talent and improvisational flair, throwing for 11,252 yards and 93 touchdowns in just over two seasons as a starter. His 734-yard passing performance against Oklahoma in 2016 remains one of the most legendary games in FBS history. Though his college teams struggled defensively, Mahomes became a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation.
No. 1 | Graham Harrell | Primary Starter 2006–2008
Harrell tops the list as Texas Tech’s all-time leader in passing yards (15,793) and touchdowns (134). He led the Red Raiders to an 11–2 season in 2008 and orchestrated one of the most iconic plays in college football history—a last-second touchdown to Michael Crabtree to beat No. 1 Texas, which fans still celebrate today. Harrell finished fourth in Heisman voting that year and later played in the NFL and CFL before becoming a respected offensive coordinator at the collegiate level.
Honorable Mentions:
- Sonny Cumbie (*2004)
- Seth Doege (*2011–2012)
- Cody Hodges (*2005)
- Baker Mayfield (2013)
- Taylor Potts (*2009–2010)
From Harrell’s precision to Mahomes’ magic, Texas Tech quarterbacks have left an indelible mark on college football and beyond. While the Air Raid system helped inflate passing numbers, it also showcased the creativity and toughness of these standout players. As the Red Raiders continue to evolve under new leadership, their quarterback legacy remains one of the richest in the sport. If you want proof, just look at this list. The Red Raiders rarely experience a season without phenomenal quarterback play. There's just something about the way they play football in Lubbock that results in exciting play from those Texas Tech QBs.
