Supporters of the Cougars and Red Raiders have united behind Texas Tech’s official barber Ivan Ortiz, and his wife Maddie Ortiz, after Maddie suffered severe injuries in a recent car crash. Courtesy of Ortiz family

In the week leading up to Saturday’s top-10 showdown between No. 7 BYU and No. 8 Texas Tech, the two fan bases have formed an unexpected alliance. Supporters of the Cougars and Red Raiders have united behind Texas Tech’s official barber Ivan Ortiz, and his wife Maddie Ortiz, after Maddie suffered severe injuries in a recent car crash.

Ortiz’sGoFundMe page, which had an initial goal of raising $25,000, had blown past that mark by more than $55,000 as of Wednesday evening. He told The Athletic that he was stunned by the support from both programs, especially ahead of a game that is critical for each team’s postseason hopes.

“It went from a hate week to everybody’s supporting each other now. It’s more of a camaraderie instead of a war,” Ortiz said. “I didn’t realize this situation, my story, would bring some peace to this game, this week.”

Maddie Ortiz was injured in a car accident on Oct. 16, when, at around 2 a.m., her vehicle was struck by a drunk driver. She was transported to a nearby trauma center for treatment and then to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. She was placed on a ventilator for two weeks and has had multiple surgeries, Ivan Ortiz said. Doctors told him they were uncertain whether his wife would regain consciousness with a good quality of life.

“[It’s] a miracle she’s alive right now based off her injuries,” Ivan Ortiz said.

God is good🙏🏽 I’m lost for words, seeing how far our story has touched others during this difficult time. We’re not prepared for trauma, nor do we know how to handle the situation. I appreciate everyone for the continued prayers and helping us during this time. 😪 #PrayForMaddie pic.twitter.com/wCdjuTSqpn

— Ivan Ortiz🌵💈Ŧ (@uncommon_ivan) November 5, 2025

But Maddie has made strong progress, Ivan said. She’s able to respond by squeezing her hands, showing her expressions and opening her eyes. Ivan and his 3-year-old son, Ivan Canelo Jr. — who had recently completed potty training with his mother before the accident — visit the hospital every day.

Those visits make it difficult for Ortiz to provide his services as a barber. Although he was hesitant to set up a GoFundMe at first, his family encouraged him to ask the community for help. He set the page’s initial goal for $25,000 at the request of his sisters-in-law and hoped it might gain traction.

There’s been an overwhelming amount of support. As of Wednesday night, the fundraiser has raised more than $83,000 on 1,700-plus donations, according to the website. Texas Tech fans, BYU supporters, and even ESPN’s college football announcer Kirk Herbstreit — who will call Saturday’s contest — made donations. Herbstreit had the top listed donation, at $5,000.

“Football is fun but Family is Forever. Sending love from BYU!” one message said.

“Cougar or Raider, family matters most. Sending love and prayers for a full recovery without the worry of financial stress!” another read.

Ivan Ortiz has been cutting hair at Texas Tech since last December. (Courtesy Ortiz family)

Ortiz, who has become a passionate Red Raider supporter since he became the team’s official barber in December 2024, is shocked by the donations.

“We’re in Lubbock, Texas, and people from Utah are touched by our story,” Ortiz said. “She’s not alone, and it’s showing.”

Texas Tech’s new practice facility includes a barber shop where Ortiz works on Thursdays. He cuts hair for coaches and players — including quarterback Behren Morton, running back Cameron Dickey and wide receiver Caleb Douglass. Morton, who Ortiz said is superstitious, only agreed to get his hair cut after the Red Raiders’ 34-10 win over Utah in September.

The program has supported Ortiz and his family since the accident, he said. Although he hasn’t been in the facility for more than three weeks, Ortiz said he plans to return Thursday. With a big game approaching, he figures players will need their haircuts, he said.

Nov 6, 2025

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Sam Jane is a trending news writer for The Athletic. He has previously worked as an intern for The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, MLive and other publications. He is a senior at the University of Maryland, where he was a sports editor for the campus paper, The Diamondback.