Hall of Fame Induction Announcement
Joel Filani, a former Texas Tech wide receiver who starred from 2003 to 2006, has been selected for the 2026 class of the Texas Tech Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on September 25 in Lubbock, where he will be joined by his former teammate Louis Vasquez.
During his collegiate career, Filani amassed 175 receptions for 2,626 yards and 23 touchdowns, placing him among the program’s all‑time leaders. He earned first‑team All‑Big 12 honors in 2005 after recording 65 catches for 1,007 yards and eight scores, and he capped his senior season with a 162‑yard performance in the 2006 Insight Bowl that still stands as a bowl record for the Red Raiders.
Filani’s impact extended beyond his playing days. He guided Javon Gipson to a 1,000‑yard season at Abilene Christian in 2025, earning the receiver All‑America recognition, and he now serves as the co‑offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Wildcats. The ceremony will also highlight his NFL experience, having been drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2007 draft.
The induction ceremony will bring together alumni, coaches, and fans to celebrate a career that includes multiple 200‑yard receiving games, a key role in Texas Tech’s 2005 Cotton Bowl appearance, and a lasting influence on the next generation of players.