In the heart of West Texas, where football is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life—Texas Tech University is preparing to honor one of the most legendary quarterbacks in program history. Graham Harrell, a name etched in Red Raider lore, will be inducted into the Texas Tech Football Ring of Honor this fall, joining an elite group of former players and coaches whose legacy continues to shape the program’s proud tradition.
On October 25, during Texas Tech’s highly anticipated matchup against Oklahoma State at Jones AT&T Stadium, Harrell’s name will be unveiled on the West Stadium Building at halftime. The celebration won’t stop there—Texas Tech will also host a formal induction ceremony the night before, with more details to be announced later in the summer.
Harrell’s induction marks another historic moment in what has already been a landmark year for the former quarterback. In January, he was named to the 2025 class of the College Football Hall of Fame, a tremendous honor that reflects the magnitude of his accomplishments both on and off the field.
“Graham Harrell represents the best of Texas Tech Football,” said Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt. “We’re thrilled to see his name immortalized in the Ring of Honor. He’s not only a Red Raider legend but now a College Football Hall of Famer. His legacy is one that continues to inspire both current players and fans alike.”
Harrell’s story at Texas Tech is nothing short of legendary. From 2005 to 2008, he commanded one of the most dynamic and explosive offenses in college football history. His precision, leadership, and resilience helped Texas Tech ascend to national prominence, culminating in a spectacular 2008 season that saw the Red Raiders rise to No. 2 in the national rankings and finish the regular season 11-1.
That 2008 campaign, one of the most memorable in school history, also earned Harrell a fourth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting—just ahead of his top target and fellow Ring of Honor member, Michael Crabtree. That same year, Harrell took home several prestigious honors, including the Johnny Unitas Award, the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, and the Sporting News Co-Player of the Year. He was also named a first-team All-American by the AFCA.
Harrell’s career numbers are staggering. He still holds Texas Tech’s all-time records for passing yards (15,793), touchdown passes (134), pass attempts (2,062), completions (1,403), passing yards per game (350.9), 300-yard games (32), and 400-yard games (20). His 2007 season, in which he threw for 5,705 yards, remains the third-highest single-season total in NCAA FBS history. In 2008, he added another 5,111 yards and 45 touchdowns to his record-breaking résumé.
Beyond his statistical dominance, Harrell was a true leader and consistent performer in Big 12 play. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, he still holds conference records for career completions and touchdown passes and ranks second all-time in passing yards and completion percentage. Remarkably, he remains the only quarterback in Big 12 history to lead the league in passing yards for three consecutive seasons.
Academically, Harrell embodied the ideal student-athlete. He earned Academic All-Big 12 honors three times and was recognized nationally in 2008 as a National Scholar-Athlete and a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy—often referred to as the “Academic Heisman.” He graduated from Texas Tech in 2007 with a degree in history, further solidifying his commitment to excellence in all areas of student life.
Following his prolific collegiate career, Harrell briefly played professionally. He signed with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2009 before moving to the NFL, where he served as a backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers from 2010 to 2012. During that stint, he earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Packers’ Super Bowl XLV-winning team.
Harrell transitioned to coaching soon after hanging up his cleats. He’s held offensive coaching roles at North Texas, USC, West Virginia, and Purdue, and currently serves as the offensive coordinator at Abilene Christian University. His influence on the next generation of quarterbacks continues to grow, and his offensive mind remains highly regarded across the college football landscape.
With his upcoming Ring of Honor induction, Harrell becomes the 12th member of this distinguished group, which includes icons such as Patrick Mahomes II, Michael Crabtree, Wes Welker, and Zach Thomas. The Ring of Honor, established in 2012, is one of Texas Tech’s highest accolades, reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Red Raider Football. Honorees are selected by a committee and formally approved by the Director of Athletics. Their names are displayed on the West Stadium Building as a permanent tribute to their legacy.
Texas Tech Football Ring of Honor Inductees:
- Donny Anderson (2012)
- E.J. Holub (2012)
- Dave Parks (2012)
- Gabe Rivera (2014)
- Zach Thomas (2016)
- Michael Crabtree (2021)
- Elmer Tarbox (2021)
- Patrick Mahomes II (2022)
- Thomas Howard (2024)
- Andre Tillman (2024)
- Wes Welker (2024)
- Graham Harrell (2025)
As the Red Raider faithful prepare to celebrate Harrell’s remarkable career this fall, there’s no doubt that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Texas Tech athletes and fans. Whether it was the unforgettable touchdown to Crabtree against Texas, his poise under pressure, or his relentless drive to succeed, Harrell’s story is one that embodies the very spirit of Red Raider football.
October 25 will be more than a football game in Lubbock—it will be a celebration of history, excellence, and the enduring impact of one of Texas Tech’s greatest legends.
