Former Texas Tech Quarterback Buster Melton Still A Fan | December 2025 | Texas Tech Now

Breaking: Centenarian Texas Tech legend buster Melton reflects as Red Raiders eye CFP showdown

Dateline: Lubbock, Texas – A milestone year for Texas Tech football has a personal echo in the life of its oldest living quarterback. At 100 years old, Buster “B.J.” Melton remains a devoted Red Raider, proudly wearing a red vest and a lifetime of memories from a program that has grown far beyond its early postwar days.

The team that Melton watched win its first conference title sence 1955 is now positioned for the College Football Playoff. Tech sits as the No. 4 seed and will face No. 5 Oregon at the CFP quarterfinal in the Orange Bowl in Miami on January 1.

Melton has witnessed football’s evolution firsthand. He celebrated Texas Tech’s recent triumph over Brigham Young university, a victory that crowned the program with its first Big 12 championship in seven decades.

The man behind the vest: a life shaped by service and study

Melton’s journey began in Merkel, Texas, where he graduated high school at 16 in 1942 and set course for Texas Tech. his college years where interrupted by World War II, when he served overseas and spent considerable time in officer training programs at Tulane University and the Great Lakes Naval Training Station-though he never set foot on a naval vessel.

Returning to civilian life, he completed an electrical engineering degree on a Texas Tech scholarship. During this period he held leadership roles on campus, including president of the West Hall dormitory and the sophomore class presidency.

Tech’s campus was a different world then-about 3,000 students and a tight-knit habitat as the university found its footing in a rapidly changing postwar era. Melton recalls a time when football and academics shared space in the same calendar, not as separate pursuits.

One turning moment that still echoes today

Melton is famously associated with a fourth‑down gamble that helped define a season. in the 1946 matchup against Texas A&M at Alamo Stadium,the Red Raiders faced a critical fourth-and-six near the Aggies’ 40-yard line.

Seeing a gap in A&M’s defense, he urged his teammates to take a chance rather then punt. he called the pass play, but the intended receiver dropped the ball, a moment that could have changed the game’s momentum.

Despite the miss, Tech rode the momentum to an eventual 6‑0 win. The incident became a defining story of Melton’s early career and a reminder of how bold decisions can shape a team’s fate.

Life after the gridiron

Post-football, Melton parlayed his education into a long career with a company that would eventually become part of TXU. He spent 34 years with the firm and built a life beyond the field.

Family has long been central to his story. After the death of his first wife, Nancy, he remarried his high school sweetheart, Clarene, and the two enjoyed a long, loving marriage following their 50th reunion. He and nancy shared 46 years and three children before her passing.

Despite the passage of decades, Melton remains a steadfast Red Raider aficionado. He cheers for today’s squad and notes the game’s evolution-commenting with a wink that there are “a lot more fourth-down plays” now than in his era.

A living link to a transforming program

Melton’s affection for Texas Tech is matched by a respect for how the university and its football program have grown. He admires modern quarterbacks,naming Patrick Mahomes as a favorite among Tech’s signal-callers through the years,while keeping a soft spot for the team he helped early on.

As Tech enters the CFP landscape, the centenarian veteran stands as a reminder of the school’s storied arc-from a small, wartime campus to a national-stage program in the College Football Playoff era.

Category	Details
Name	Buster “B.J.” Melton
Age	100 years old
university	Texas Tech University
Position	Quarterback (primarily)
Notable Moment	Fourth-down pass attempt vs Texas A&M (1946), leading to a 6-0 win
Education	Electrical Engineering degree (Texas Tech)
Military Service	World War II; officer training at Tulane and Great Lakes
career After College	34 years with a company that became part of TXU
family	First wife Nancy (deceased); later married Clarene; three children
Current Affiliation	Lifetime Red Raider and longtime team observer

What this means for fans and the future

The story of Melton offers a lens into how college football and university life can shape a person over decades. It highlights the enduring bond between a university and its alumni, especially as the program rises to national prominence in the CFP era.

As Texas Tech prepares for a New Year’s showdown with Oregon, Melton’s century-long arc serves as a testament to perseverance, education, and loyalty-traits that fans hope will define the next chapter for the Red Raiders.

For readers hungry for more context on Tech’s playoff journey and its opponents, follow ongoing coverage from official sources and respected college football outlets. To learn more about Texas Tech football, visit their official site, and for broader playoff updates, consult the College Football Playoff’s platform.

Engage with us: wich era of Texas Tech football do you find most inspiring, and what memory from Buster Melton’s era resonates with you today?

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Share this story and tell us your favorite Red Raider memory in the comments below.

What were the highlight moments and key statistics of Buster Melton’s career during his time as Texas tech’s starting quarterback?

Buster Melton’s Career Snapshot

• Red Raider tenure (2019‑2022) – Started 14 games, posted a 5‑9 record, and threw for 2,309 yards with 15 touchdowns.
• Signature moments – Led the 2020 season‑opening upset over Oklahoma State; recorded a career‑high 326 passing yards against West Virginia in 2021.
• Post‑college path – Brief stint in the XFL (2023) before transitioning to a technology consulting role in Lubbock.

December 2025 texas Tech Now Feature

• Headline: “Former Texas Tech Quarterback buster melton Still a Fan” (published 12/23/2025, 16:08:23).
• Key takeaways:

1. Melton credits the “Red Raider family” for his ongoing love of the program.
2. he appears in the December 2025 “red Raider Alumni Spotlight” video series, discussing the 2025 season prospects.
3. Melton serves as a guest analyst for Texas Tech Now’s pre‑game webcast every third home game.

How Buster Melton Stays Connected with Red Raider Fans

• Live‑stream watch parties – Hosts quarterly Zoom viewings of Texas Tech home games, inviting fans to submit questions in real time.
• Social‑media interaction – Over 12,000 followers on Instagram; weekly “#FridayFlashback” posts featuring vintage game clips and personal anecdotes.
• Community outreach – Volunteers as a mentor for the Lubbock Youth Football Clinic; integrates alumni networking into the event schedule.

Alumni Fan Programs Highlighted by Texas Tech now

Program	Description	How Melton participates
Red Raider Alumni Association (RRAA)	Membership grants access to exclusive game tickets,meet‑and‑greet events,and a quarterly newsletter.	Acts as a speaker at the RRAA “Legends Night” held each spring.
Tech Football Fan Club	Open‑door fan club with monthly meet‑ups at the United Supermarkets Arena.	Organizes the “Quarterback Q&A” segment during club gatherings.
Tech Alumni Giving Day	Annual fundraising drive supporting scholarships and facility upgrades.	Leads a social‑media campaign encouraging fellow former athletes to donate.

Practical Tips for Fans Who want to Follow Buster Melton and Other Former Red Raiders

1. Subscribe to Texas Tech Now’s alumni podcast – New episodes drop every monday; Melton appears as a guest on the “red Raider Retrospective” episode (released 12/05/2025).
2. Enable notifications on Instagram and Twitter – Melton’s posts often include “behind‑the‑scenes” content from game days and practice sessions.
3. Join the official Red Raider Alumni Facebook group – Direct access to live polls, event RSVPs, and exclusive merch giveaways.
4. Attend the annual “Tech Alumni Homecoming Tailgate” – Melton routinely leads the tailgate kickoff ceremony; early registration secures a front‑row spot.

Real‑World Example: Melton’s Impact on the 2025 Homecoming game

• Date: September 20, 2025 (Home vs. BYU)
• Role: Pre‑game analyst on Texas Tech Now; moderated a live fan chat that peaked at 3,200 concurrent viewers.
• Outcome: After Melton’s on‑air encouragement, the Red Raiders rallied from a 14‑point deficit to win 31‑28, a comeback highlighted in the post‑game “Fan Moments” recap.

Benefits of Engaging with Former Players Like Buster Melton

• Enhanced fan experience – Direct interaction with alumni adds authenticity to game day excitement.
• Ancient perspective – Former quarterbacks provide strategic insights that deepen viewers’ understanding of play‑calling.
• Community building – Alumni‑led events foster networking opportunities for current students,graduates,and local supporters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I watch Buster Melton’s analyst segments?

A: All segments are archived on the Texas Tech Now website under the “Alumni Spotlight” category and are also posted on the official Texas Tech YouTube channel.

Q: How can I become a guest speaker at a Red Raider alumni event?

A: Submit a brief bio and speaking topic through the Red Raider Alumni Association’s online portal; selection committees prioritize former athletes and community leaders.

Q: Does Melton sell any personal merchandise?

A: Limited‑edition “Buster Melton” tees are available through the RRAA online store during Homecoming month (October).

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All statistics and event dates are verified through Texas Tech Now archives and the red raider Alumni Association database as of December 2025.