It wasn’t that long ago that college athletes using a redshirt to get a fifth year of eligibility was uncommon.
In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic, getting an entire extra season of eligibility was unheard of.
But, in December, the NCAA made the decision to grant an extra year to 2024 seniors who began their college careers at non-NCAA schools, i.e. players who started their careers at the JUCO level.
That decision has had wide-reaching ramifications, and for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, it means getting linebacker Bryce Ramirez back for his seventh season.
According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, an official from Texas Tech athletics has confirmed that Ramirez will be allowed to return for another season of football, which makes his story even more incredible than it already was.
In 2022, Ramirez suffered a catastrophic leg injury against North Carolina State, resulting in his tibia being broken in three places and his fibula in two. The injury so severe that it would require two surgeries and a five-night stay in the hospital.
That didn’t keep from playing the game that he loves, though, as Ramirez was back in action for the Red Raiders in 2023 and has been an active contributor since then.
In 2024, Ramirez totaled 17 tackles with one tackle for loss, one interception, and one pass defended. Texas Tech will open up its 2025 season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on August 30.
