Raider Red Named ‘Most Beloved Mascot in College Sports’ for Third Year in a Row

Raider Red, the bold and beloved face of Texas Tech spirit, has once again claimed the title of “Most Beloved Mascot in College Sports,” marking the third consecutive year the crowd-favorite has taken top honors.

The annual poll, conducted by Mascot Madness Weekly, surveyed over 50,000 fans, athletes, and college sports insiders. Raider Red beat out other iconic mascots like LSU’s Mike the Tiger and Oregon’s Duck, earning praise for his personality, game-day presence, and deep-rooted connection to the Red Raider faithful. Judges cited his “wild western charm” and “electric energy” as key reasons for his continued dominance.

“Raider Red is more than a mascot — he’s a movement,” said Tech alum and ESPN analyst Mark Clay. “From his signature cowboy hat to those legendary finger guns, he captures everything that’s great about Texas Tech.” Students and fans echoed that sentiment on social media, where the hashtag #RedTakes3 began trending shortly after the announcement.

In celebration of the three-peat, Texas Tech’s athletics department announced a special edition Raider Red merchandise drop. The collection will include throwback tees, foam finger guns, and limited-edition bobbleheads. Raider Red is also expected to go on a “Victory Lap” tour around campus, popping up at student events, tailgates, and even a few classroom cameos throughout the semester.

Beyond just sports, Raider Red has become a symbol of pride for the university and the city of Lubbock. Whether he’s dancing at the 50-yard line, leading chants in the student section, or firing up fans during March Madness, one thing is clear — Raider Red is in a league of his own.

With three straight titles under his belt (or oversized buckle), Raider Red isn’t just the mascot Texas Tech needs — he’s the one college sports can’t stop cheering for.