Honoring Legends: Texas Tech Announces Prestigious 2025 Hall of Fame Class, Celebrating Iconic Athletes, Trailblazing Coaches, and Unforgettable Moments in Red Raider History
Texas Tech University has officially announced its prestigious 2025 Hall of Fame class, honoring a new wave of Red Raider legends whose extraordinary accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the university’s storied athletic tradition. This year’s class represents a powerful mix of iconic athletes, visionary coaches, and pivotal contributors who have helped shape Texas Tech’s identity across generations of excellence.
The 2025 inductees span multiple sports and eras, reminding fans of the depth and diversity of Red Raider greatness. Each honoree is being recognized not just for their achievements in competition, but for their leadership, character, and continued embodiment of the values that define Texas Tech: grit, perseverance, and pride in the Scarlet and Black.
Among the headline inductees is former quarterback Michael “Air” Thompson, who led the Red Raiders to a historic 11-2 season in the early 2000s and still holds multiple program passing records. Thompson, known for his clutch performances and electric arm, was a fan favorite and helped raise Texas Tech’s national profile during a critical era of Big 12 football.
Joining him is Courtney Alvarez, a four-time All-American track and field star who dominated national sprints and relays during her collegiate career. Alvarez, who went on to represent the United States in international competition, credits Texas Tech with building the foundation for her world-class success. Her inclusion marks a proud moment for the university’s growing reputation in Olympic-level athletics.
Another notable inductee is Coach Darryl McCall, who revolutionized Texas Tech baseball in the late 1990s and early 2000s, transforming a mid-tier program into a perennial NCAA tournament contender. Known for his focus on fundamentals, discipline, and player development, McCall’s influence on the program is still felt today.
In a touching tribute to the broader history of Texas Tech athletics, the 2025 Hall of Fame class will also include a posthumous induction for Sandra Ruiz, one of the first female athletes to compete under Title IX in the early 1970s. Ruiz, a trailblazer in women’s basketball, is remembered not only for her on-court performance but for her courage and commitment during a transformative time for women’s sports in America.
Rounding out the class is the 2008 Red Raider Football Team, whose thrilling 11-1 season, including the unforgettable upset of then-No. 1 Texas, remains one of the most celebrated campaigns in school history. That team’s induction is a nod to the power of teamwork and the enduring memory of moments that unite a fanbase.
Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt praised the inductees, stating, “These individuals have not only excelled in their fields—they have elevated the Red Raider name. Their stories are etched in our history, and now, their legacies will be formally honored for future generations.”
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set to take place this fall in Lubbock, with a weekend of celebration planned that includes a gala, on-field recognition during a home football game, and alumni reunions.
As the Red Raider family prepares to honor these legends, one thing is clear: the spirit of Texas Tech continues to thrive in the hearts and achievements of those who dared to be great.
