Former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes is already generating 2026 comeback talk as he works back from a major knee injury with Week 1 in sight.
Patrick Mahomes is once again a major offseason talking point, and for Texas Tech football fans, that’s never a bad thing.
The former Red Raiders star is now being mentioned as a serious 2026 NFL Comeback Player of the Year candidate as he continues working his way back from the knee injury that cut short his 2025 season.
Mahomes suffered ACL and LCL damage last December, a significant injury for any quarterback, let alone one whose game depends on off-platform throws, mobility and playmaking outside structure.
But the latest update has added real optimism.
Mahomes recently showed video of himself back on the field and throwing again, just a little more than three months after surgery, a strong sign that his recovery is trending in the right direction.
That has fueled the belief that the ex-Texas Tech quarterback could be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
And if he is, it won’t take long for expectations to ramp up.
Even in an injury-shortened 2025 campaign, Mahomes still threw for 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games.
He also added 422 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, reminding everyone that even when he’s not at full force, he still impacts the game in multiple ways.
There’s also growing chatter that Kansas City could benefit from a familiar offensive spark with Eric Bieniemy back in the mix.
That matters because Mahomes has always looked most dangerous when the offense has rhythm, urgency and creativity. If that returns with him healthy, the ceiling rises fast.
For Texas Tech fans, it’s another reminder of just how much Mahomes still commands the football world long after leaving Lubbock.
His NFL resume already speaks for itself, but comeback seasons often carry a different kind of spotlight. They’re about resilience as much as production.
If Mahomes makes it back by Week 1 and looks anything like his usual self, the comeback conversation will move quickly from prediction to reality.
And once again, the former Red Raider could be right in the middle of the biggest story in football.
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