LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt announced the athletic department will no longer permit the throwing of tortillas at opening kickoff. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs we move forward, we are no longer going to encourage nor permit the throwing of tortillas at the opening kickoff for our home football games,\u201d Hocutt said Monday during a weekly news conference with coach Joey McGuire. <\/p>\n
The announcement comes after Texas Tech received a fine from the Big 12<\/a> for fans continuing to throw tortillas onto the field well after kickoff during the homecoming game against Kansas.<\/p>\n Some Texas Tech students responded to the banning of tortillas, and while they say they\u2019re understanding of the situation, they\u2019re still upset with the decision.<\/p>\n \u201cI was shocked because when I first came here, everyone was saying the tortilla throwing was tradition,\u201d freshman Kristin Keroti said, \u201cso just hearing that they banned it, I can\u2019t believe they kind of just threw away the whole tradition.\u201d <\/p>\n Another first-year student agreed with Keroti and said although it\u2019s an understanding move by Texas Tech, the tradition is being taken away from new Red Raiders.<\/p>\n \u201cI kind of understand why,\u201d Tochi Emerruem said, \u201cbut it kind of hurt a little bit, because being part of that tradition and especially being a freshman and everything, it was a great experience. There\u2019s nothing to look forward to now.\u201d<\/p>\n However, one student said he will continue to throw the tortillas during the opening kickoff despite the ban. He also doesn\u2019t expect to be the only one going against the new rule.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a student, I\u2019m going to bring tortillas, I\u2019m going to throw them at the field,\u201d freshman Drew Bitel said. \u201cI think as strong as our community is, there\u2019s going to be a huge reaction towards it. There\u2019s going to be more tortillas thrown today than there was previously.\u201d<\/p>\n Red Raiders have always shown the nation what a special place this is, especially on game days. Texas Tech is known for having some of the most passionate and loyal fans anywhere. Like all Red Raiders, I share that pride. \u2014 Lawrence Schovanec (@TexasTechPres) October 20, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n
This season, we\u2019re in the national spotlight, and that\u2019s\u2026<\/p>\n