IRVING, TEXAS – During the Kansas versus Texas Tech football game on October 11, 2025, a pocket knife was allegedly thrown from the stands and struck a Kansas staff member, and now both programs will pay a price.
The knife landed on the Jayhawks’ sideline, allegedly. Texas Tech confirmed that a closed pocket knife was found on the sideline and turned over to police. This incident occurred during a long-standing Texas Tech tradition of fans throwing tortillas onto the field, a practice which drew penalties against the home side from referees. The throwing of objects and the alleged knife incident led to a shouting match between Kansas coach Lance Leipold and Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire during the game.
Texas Tech athletics reviewed game video and submitted the results to the Big 12 Conference for review. Kansas had previously claimed that the knife struck a staff member. The incident sparked a manhunt by authorities to identify the culprit. The Big 12 penalized Texas Tech for the throwing of objects on the field. Texas Tech does not expect any fines from the Big 12 as a result of the incident.
The game itself concluded with a 42-17 victory for Texas Tech.
In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued a public reprimand and fine of Texas Tech University and a fine of the University of Kansas following their football game on Saturday.
Texas Tech and Kansas are both fined $25,000. Tech’s fine is for repeated instances of objects being thrown onto the playing surface, while Kansas has been fined for disparaging comments about the Conference and a member institution, and an inaccurate statement regarding a pocketknife by head coach Lance Leipold.
“After a formal review, Texas Tech did not take sufficient steps to prevent and deter the repeated throwing of objects onto the field and team bench areas,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Coach Leipold’s comments questioned the integrity and professionalism of both the Conference and a member institution. Both actions warranted a financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes integrity and will have no further comment on the matter.”