Texas Tech University Athletics
Romaine recognized as part of Big 12 weekly awards
September 28, 2026 | Football
Texas Tech linebacker had two pick-six interceptions Saturday in Texas Techโs 49-14 victory over Sam Houston
LUBBOCK, Texas โ Texas Tech senior linebacker Austin Romaine was tabbed the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday following his pair of pick-sixes last Saturday in the Red Raiders' victory over Sam Houston.
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This is the first Big 12 weekly award of Romaine's career dating back to his time at Kansas State the past three seasons. He becomes the second Red Raider to be recognized this season, joining punter Will Karoll, who repeated as the top special teams performer following Texas Tech's win at Oregon State and then over Houston.
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Romaine recorded one of the most-memorable performances by a Red Raider in recent memory, bringing back two pick-six interceptions for touchdowns in the second quarter of Texas Tech's win. He became the first Big 12 player since Kansas State's Bobby Walker in 2002 to record multiple pick-six interceptions in the same game and the first Red Raider in school history to do so.
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Romaine was only the second FBS player since 2012 to record pick-six interceptions on back-to-back plays, joining N.C. State's DeVon Edwards, who did so against Duke in 2013. Romaine pushed the Red Raiders to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter after snatching a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage and returning it for 15 yards to the end zone. He'd step in front of a Landyn Locke pass the very next play, bringing it back 31 yards for another touchdown.
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In addition to his two interceptions, Romaine led the Red Raiders with eight tackles for a Texas Tech defense that shut out Sam Houston in the second half. Sam Houston entered the game averaging 345.7 passing yards per game but was held to only 195 yards through the air as the Red Raiders recorded their 11th-consecutive win at home.
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Romaine was joined on the Big 12's weekly awards list by Oklahoma State linebacker Ethan Wesloski. The conference began recognizing multiple offensive and defensive players weekly starting with the 2025 season.
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Romaine and the Red Raiders return to Big 12 play this Saturday when Texas Tech travels to Colorado for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff. Coverage will be provided nationally on FOX and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
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This is the first Big 12 weekly award of Romaine's career dating back to his time at Kansas State the past three seasons. He becomes the second Red Raider to be recognized this season, joining punter Will Karoll, who repeated as the top special teams performer following Texas Tech's win at Oregon State and then over Houston.
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Romaine recorded one of the most-memorable performances by a Red Raider in recent memory, bringing back two pick-six interceptions for touchdowns in the second quarter of Texas Tech's win. He became the first Big 12 player since Kansas State's Bobby Walker in 2002 to record multiple pick-six interceptions in the same game and the first Red Raider in school history to do so.
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Romaine was only the second FBS player since 2012 to record pick-six interceptions on back-to-back plays, joining N.C. State's DeVon Edwards, who did so against Duke in 2013. Romaine pushed the Red Raiders to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter after snatching a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage and returning it for 15 yards to the end zone. He'd step in front of a Landyn Locke pass the very next play, bringing it back 31 yards for another touchdown.
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In addition to his two interceptions, Romaine led the Red Raiders with eight tackles for a Texas Tech defense that shut out Sam Houston in the second half. Sam Houston entered the game averaging 345.7 passing yards per game but was held to only 195 yards through the air as the Red Raiders recorded their 11th-consecutive win at home.
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Romaine was joined on the Big 12's weekly awards list by Oklahoma State linebacker Ethan Wesloski. The conference began recognizing multiple offensive and defensive players weekly starting with the 2025 season.
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Romaine and the Red Raiders return to Big 12 play this Saturday when Texas Tech travels to Colorado for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff. Coverage will be provided nationally on FOX and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
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Players Mentioned
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/ FootballMonday, September 28
Monday, September 28
Saturday, September 26
Saturday, September 26