Texas Tech Red Raiders news: Adidas era begins, Olympians crowned, more

Texas Tech begins partnership with Adidas

July is typically the slowest month of the year in college sports. However, its arrival this year has been eagerly anticipated by Texas Tech sports fans.

Today, the Red Raiders officially began their partnership with Adidas after 18 years with Under Armour as the university's official apparel provider. Of course, everyone is eager to see what that means for the looks the Red Raiders will sport on the field, diamond, and court as well as the apparel offerings for fans to purchase.

There's no word when we will get a look at the new Texas Tech football uniforms. However, the football program posted Sunday on X a photo that read "Tomorrow 7-1-24". Perhaps that means we will get at least a sneak peek at the Red Raiders' new look sometime today.

Texas Tech Olympic hopefuls complete U.S. Track and Field trials

With the Olympics set to begin later this month, the U.S. Track and Field trials have been taking place at the University of Oregon and several Red Raider track athletes have participated. Interestingly, two of the most dramatic moments of the trials featured Red Raiders.

Caleb Dean, the NCAA champion in the 400M hurdles was a favorite to make this year's Olympic team. However, in the finals of the 400M hurdles on Sunday, he fell entering the final 100 meters of the race. At the time, Dean looked to be in great shape to make the Olympic squad so it was heartbreaking to see him tumble.

Monae' Nichols had a much different experience in Oregon. Competing in the long jump, the former Texas Tech standout was on the outside looking in when she stepped up for her final jump of the event on Saturday.

That's when she uncorked the jump of a lifetime. Jumping 22 feet, 6 1/4 inches, Nichols vaulted from fifth to third place and in the process met the Olympic standard to earn a spot on this year's Olympic team.

"What an incredible clutch jump," Texas Tech track and field coach Wes Kittley said. "She's in (fifth), she didn't have the Olympic standard and on her last jump, gets third place and gets the Olympic standard. I mean, it just doesn't get much better than that."

It was the best jump of the track season for Nichols. Now, she will get a shot to compete in Paris and represent her country on the world's largest stage.

Josh Jung has return to the Rangers delayed yet again

Though he appears close to returning to the big leagues for the Texas Rangers, former Red Raider Josh Jung continues to struggle to get over the hump as he works his way back into playing shape following surgery on a broken wrist.

This weekend, Jung was shut down from swinging a bat, even in batting practice, and he is supposed to have his wrist evaluated again today. The problem appears to be continued inflammation, not a structural issue.

Jung suffered the wrist injury after being hit by a pitch on April 1. Though he is long past the initial projected timeline for his return, he has not faced any live pitching since June 20.

Without Jung in the lineup, Texas' bats have struggled mightily. However, that's not going to force the team to bring him back before he's ready.

“We want him for every game, but for every game that he’s healthy,” Texas managed Bruce Bochy said. “We can’t push him because of our situation. That’s not fair to him.”