The Road Ahead for Texas Tech
Will Hammond is back on the practice field, taking part in 7‑on‑7 passing drills as Texas Tech resumes its off‑season preparations.
The sophomore’s participation comes just nine months after he underwent knee‑ligament surgery that ended his 2025 campaign, a timeline that aligns with Coach Joey McGuire’s expectation of a full return in September.
McGuire has spoken openly about the quarterback’s progress, noting that the team is cautiously optimistic about having a healthy Hammond leading the offense when the season opens.
Meanwhile, quarterback Brendan Sorsby is confronting a different challenge. The NCAA has ruled him permanently ineligible for gambling violations, and a June 1 injunction hearing will decide whether he can seek reinstatement.
Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec has voiced his support for Sorsby, emphasizing that the university will provide recovery resources and will continue to appeal the NCAA’s decision.
Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech in January and impressed with four touchdown passes in the spring game, recently completed a month‑long inpatient treatment program in Arizona as part of his effort to address the addiction that led to the violation.
The dual narratives underscore a broader theme for the program: balancing player development with strict enforcement of eligibility rules, a tension that will shape the team’s outlook heading into the fall.