At the recent Big 12 Football Media Days, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire took the podium with a clear message: Will Hammond will be the Red Raiders' starting quarterback when the 2026 season kicks off. McGuire emphasized that Hammond's recovery is on track and that the coaching staff is already building the offense around his skill set.
A Turbulent Offseason
The program has also had to navigate the sudden exit of Brendan Sorsby, who left the team after eligibility concerns tied to sports betting emerged. Sorsby, who wagered at least $90,000 over four years — including bets on his former Indiana team — has now turned his focus toward an early push for an NFL opportunity, leaving a void that the Red Raiders are working to fill.
Hammond's path to that role has been marked by setbacks. After a season‑ending ACL tear against Oklahoma State, the quarterback will enter the offseason with a clear rehabilitation plan, and McGuire says he will be ready for the September opener. Earlier in the year, Hammond filled in for Behren Morton when Morton suffered a right leg injury against Kansas, and he started the next two games before the injury occurred.
Strength in Unity
Defensive stalwart Brice Pollock, a senior in the secondary, stressed that forcing turnovers will be essential to protect Hammond and sustain momentum. Meanwhile, team captain Sheridan Wilson reflected on the value of defined responsibilities, noting that every player’s contribution shapes the Red Raiders’ identity. McGuire believes the shared adversity has forged a tighter bond among the players, and Wilson added that no one understands the progress made this spring better than the team itself.
The schedule will open on September 5 when Texas Tech hosts Abilene Christian. Fans across the state will get their first glimpse of the revamped roster, and the excitement surrounding Hammond’s return is already palpable. The Red Raiders are poised to turn the lessons of the past into a competitive force for the upcoming season.