Patrick Mahomes surprises Texas Tech student Blake Porter with free tuition after his incredible 94-foot putt during a basketball game.

 

Texas Tech student sinks 94-foot putt, gets free tuition -- and surprise  from Patrick Mahomes - ESPN

 

Blake Porter, a Texas Tech student, is now the talk of the town after making a jaw-dropping 94-foot putt during a commercial timeout at a Texas Tech-Houston basketball game on February 24, 2025.

Not only did the Lubbock native sink the unbelievable shot, but he also celebrated in style with none other than Patrick Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl MVP, who was on the court to cheer him on.

While Porter’s incredible feat quickly went viral, it was on February 27, during an appearance on the Today show, where things took an unexpected turn that no one saw coming.

Although Porter couldn’t recreate his magical moment in front of the Today show cameras, the hosts had an even bigger surprise in store for him.

Just when Porter thought his experience on national television had peaked, Mahomes appeared on a pre-taped segment to announce some life-changing news.

“What’s up, Blake?” Mahomes said, addressing the excited student. “What an awesome moment it was the other night.

I was so excited to be a small part of it.” But the real shocker came when Mahomes revealed that Texas Tech Athletics would be covering Porter’s tuition for the upcoming fall semester.

Porter, who had become a campus hero after his moment of glory on the basketball court, could barely contain his emotions. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Thanks, guys,” he exclaimed as his mother and girlfriend joined him on set, clearly overcome with joy.

 

Patrick Mahomes Surprises Student With Free Tuition on Today Show | Us  Weekly

 

This incredible gesture doesn’t end there. Mahomes went on to announce that, alongside his sponsor Adidas, he and his team would be making Porter “an honorary member of Team Mahomes,” complete with a special care package designed to help the student with his golf game.

The moment was a perfect combination of heartwarming surprise and professional recognition for the young student, who had captured the attention of not just Texas Tech fans, but also Mahomes himself.

Porter, who is admittedly a “double bogey golfer at best,” had a humble approach when he was first asked to participate in the event.

On the Today show, he recalled how he arrived at United Supermarkets Arena late on the day of the game, yet was still given the opportunity to take part in the promotion.

“I was just like, ‘Sure, why not?’” he explained. He had no idea that his 94-foot putt would lead to the kind of recognition and reward he later received.

As Porter lined up his shot during the game, he remained calm under pressure, focused solely on making the shot. When the ball dropped into the hole, the crowd erupted into applause, and Porter immediately ran to Mahomes for a celebratory chest bump.

The moment seemed to be a spontaneous, unplanned celebration of a dream come true.

“I didn’t even think about it. It was just one of those things,” Porter reflected, recalling the exhilaration of the moment and the thrill of sharing it with a sports icon like Mahomes.

 

Patrick Mahomes surprises Texas golf whiz with free tuition

 

In the aftermath of his viral putt, Porter’s life has changed in ways he never expected. While he might have been a fan of Mahomes and Texas Tech before, now the two share a special connection.

After the game, Porter spoke with local news outlet KCBD-TV, where he shared that he felt an immediate bond with the NFL star. “We’re bros now,” he said, with a grin, reflecting on how easily he and Mahomes hit it off.

This heartwarming story not only shows the power of sports to create lasting memories but also the incredible ways in which athletes like Mahomes use their platform to make a positive impact.

For Porter, what started as a fun opportunity to make a long shot has turned into a whirlwind of good fortune, not just in the form of tuition but also through his newfound relationship with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

His surprise appearance on the Today show and Mahomes’ gesture to cover his tuition highlights a remarkable turn of events for a college student who likely never dreamed that a casual shot during a basketball game could lead to such life-changing recognition.

Mahomes’ generosity doesn’t just stop at providing financial support. By making Porter an honorary member of his team, Mahomes is offering much more than just a monetary reward; he’s extending a hand to a young person in a way that will resonate for years to come.

As the dust settles on Porter’s 94-foot putt and his unexpected recognition, it’s clear that the relationship between Mahomes and the Texas Tech student has only just begun.