Texas Tech is gearing up for the 2026 college football season, but the quarterback position remains a focal point of uncertainty as the program navigates a series of unexpected developments.
Will Hammond, the presumed starter, has been sidelined by a torn ACL suffered during a game against Oklahoma State, raising questions about his availability for the opening matchup.
Adding to the upheaval, Brendan Sorsby, who was recruited as a transfer to deepen the quarterback room, left the team after a gambling scandal emerged, leaving a void that the coaching staff must now address.
Enter Kirk Francis, a junior who currently occupies the No. 2 spot on the depth chart after transferring from Tulsa, where he compiled 3,045 yards and 18 touchdowns over 18 career appearances.
Despite a "pretty bad concussion" that limited his playing time last season, Francis has earned praise from teammates for his calm demeanor, strong arm, and ability to manage the huddle with poise.
The coaching staff has repeatedly voiced confidence in both Hammond’s rehabilitation progress and Francis’s potential, indicating that the team is prepared to rally behind whichever player ultimately earns the starting role.
Depth Chart Dynamics
Officially, Francis is listed behind Hammond, but the fluid nature of preseason practices and medical evaluations means the hierarchy could shift quickly as the squad works to solidify its offensive identity.