Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is excited to see growth in the Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Arizona State Sun Devils rivalry in the years to come.
While discussing a variety of topics at the Super Bowl Opening Night media availability, Mahomes detailed how he was happy that these two programs would be facing each other more now that both were in the Big 12 Conference.
What Did Patrick Mahomes Say About Texas Tech, ASU Rivalry?
Arizona State joined the Big 12 at the beginning of last season after residing in the Pac-12 since 1978. In their 2024 meeting, the Sun Devils and the Red Raiders had a shootout that was ultimately won 30-22 by Mahomes’ alma mater, Texas Tech.
Mahomes referenced a game between the two schools when he was playing for Texas Tech, one where running back Kalen Ballage scored seven touchdowns against his team in a loss. The popular Arizona State football content profile “Locked On Sun Devils” posted the clip on X.
Patrick Mahomes agrees that ASU/Texas Tech is a budding rivalry for the Big 12 😈🔱
pic.twitter.com/uqlyHpYVcX— Locked On Sun Devils (@LO_SunDevils) February 4, 2025
“I remember they ran for like seven touchdowns against us, and we lost the game. But, no, I had a great time there. I actually spent, when we played the Arizona Super Bowl, we practiced at ASU. It’s a beautiful campus,” Mahomes stated.
He continued by highlighting how he is excited about the future rivalry between the two schools now that both were in the same conference.
“They had heck of a run in football this year. And so, I’m excited for the rivalry that will build here with Texas Tech and Arizona State in the future of the Big 12,” Mahomes added.
The two teams will face off again in Arizona on Oct. 18, 2025.
Texas Tech, Arizona State Rivalry
As Mahomes alluded to, the Sun Devils had a phenomenal campaign this year and qualified for the College Football Playoffs as the No. 4 seed. Though they lost a thriller to the Texas Longhorns in the quarterfinals, the program took a major step forward in its development this year and is expected to remain a strong team next season.
This year, despite the Red Raiders’ victory over the Sun Devils, Texas Tech finished behind Arizona State in the Big 12 standings when the regular season came to an end.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
Though Mahomes is clearly excited about the growing rivalry, his focus will be fully set on this weekend’s Super Bowl matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
On Sunday, Mahomes and the Chiefs are looking for their third consecutive championship, something that has not been done in the Super Bowl era.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
