Texas Tech Football Crowns Coy Eakin with No. 3 Jersey, Cancels Spring Game in Stunning Move

LUBBOCK, TX – Texas Tech football is making waves this offseason with two major developments: junior wide receiver Coy Eakin has been awarded the prestigious No. 3 jersey, and the program has canceled its annual spring game ahead of the 2025 season.

These announcements mark significant shifts for the Red Raiders as they look to build momentum under head coach Joey McGuire. With spring practices now in full swing and new offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich installing his system, Texas Tech is setting the stage for a pivotal campaign in the Big 12.

Coy Eakin Earns the Honored No. 3 Jersey

One of the most revered traditions in Texas Tech football is the awarding of the No. 3 jersey. This number is given annually to a player who best represents “The Brand”, a philosophy emphasizing toughness, work ethic, and competitiveness under Coach McGuire​

For 2025, Coy Eakin has been chosen to don this iconic number on offense, while senior linebacker Bryce Ramirez retains the No. 3 on defense for a third consecutive year.

“This was not a difficult decision,” McGuire stated. “Coy has proven his toughness to this team and has developed into one of our most consistent offensive players. He will be a great representative of what this number means to our program”​

Eakin is coming off a breakout sophomore season, tallying 49 receptions, 652 yards, and seven touchdowns. Over his Red Raider career, he has amassed 1,068 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games. Now stepping into a larger role as an inside receiver, Eakin will look to fill the void left by Josh Kelly, who graduated following the 2024 season​

The No. 3 jersey also carries sentimental value within the program, as it honors the late Luke Siegel, whose resilience after a life-altering accident inspired the Texas Tech community. This tradition adds an emotional weight to Eakin’s new role and underscores his significance within the team​

Texas Tech Cancels 2025 Spring Game

In a surprising decision, Texas Tech has opted to cancel its annual spring game, a move that aligns with a growing trend among major college football programs​

Spring games have traditionally been a major event, offering fans a first glimpse at new players, schemes, and coaching strategies. However, many programs, including Oklahoma and other Big 12 schools, are beginning to forgo the event in favor of more controlled, private practice settings.

While Texas Tech has yet to issue a detailed explanation, common reasons for such cancellations include:

Minimizing Injury Risks – Coaches often prefer keeping key players out of full-contact public scrimmages to avoid unnecessary injuries.

Strategic Secrecy – With a new offensive coordinator, Tech may want to keep its playbook under wraps before the season kicks off.

Maximizing Development – Some teams believe they can gain more value from focused, closed-door practices rather than an exhibition game​

Despite the cancellation, Texas Tech will still hold 15 allocated spring practices, with workouts resuming after Spring Break. These sessions will be crucial as the Red Raiders implement Leftwich’s offensive system and integrate new talent into key positions​

Texas Tech’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one of transition and high expectations. The offense will be under the spotlight with Leftwich taking over as offensive coordinator, while McGuire’s defense looks to build on last season’s improvements.

With Eakin stepping into a leadership role, the receiving corps will have a reliable weapon, but questions remain about how the team will adjust without a public spring game to gauge progress. Fans will have to wait until the season opener to see how these changes translate to the field.