By being given the No. 3 jersey to wear, Texas Tech wide receiver Josh Kelly is being recognized as a team leader.
It’s not unusual for transfer wide receiver Josh Kelly to wear the No. 3 jersey, as he sported it during his time with the Washington State Cougars in 2023. However, upon joining Texas Tech, there was no certainty that he would retain that number.
The No. 3 holds significant meaning for the Red Raiders. Fortunately, Kelly quickly demonstrated his worth to the program, and it was announced that he would continue wearing the No. 3 jersey at Texas Tech.
At Texas Tech, the No. 3 is reserved for players who exemplify what head coach Joey McGuire refers to as “The Brand.” McGuire’s vision is to build the toughest, hardest-working, and most competitive team, and the No. 3 symbolizes these qualities. Additionally, the No. 3 is special due to its association with the late Luke Siegel.
The No. 3 jersey is a coveted number here.
This season, Josh Kelly will join Bryce Ramirez in wearing the No. 3 as the players that represent "The Brand."@kellz_0404 | #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/2gns31H0zV
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) July 29, 2024
In 2015, Luke Siegel, the son of former Texas Tech head tennis coach Tim Siegel, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a golf cart accident, which left him paralyzed. Sadly, Luke passed away in August 2021 due to complications from COVID-19.
Despite his passing, Luke’s memory remains honored by the Texas Tech football program. His favorite number was No. 3, and since Joey McGuire took over as head coach in Lubbock, the No. 3 jersey has been reserved for players who truly embody what McGuire calls “The Brand.”
Last year, linebacker Bryce Ramirez earned the No. 3 jersey after making a remarkable comeback from a severe leg injury sustained at NC State in September 2022. Ramirez will continue to wear the No. 3 this season, and he will now share this prestigious honor with Josh Kelly.
This decision reflects the strong leadership Kelly has demonstrated since joining the program this offseason. Earning the No. 3 jersey so quickly highlights Kelly’s role as both a leader and a role model for his teammates.
In addition to his leadership qualities, Kelly is a standout player. Last season, he caught 61 passes for 923 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games. Over his career, he has amassed 148 receptions for 2,228 yards and 12 touchdowns.
As the most experienced receiver on the roster and a super-senior, Kelly is expected to lead Texas Tech’s revamped wide receiver corps on the field. By awarding him the No. 3 jersey, McGuire is signaling that Kelly is not only a key player but also a vital leader within the program.
