July 25, 2026
Texas Tech Names Will Hammond Starting QB for 2026 Season
Hammond takes over under center after two seasons in a backup role, inheriting a program coming off a 12-2 campaign and a Big 12 title.
Texas Tech officially announced Will Hammond as its starting quarterback for the 2026 season on Friday, posting the news to the program's official X account. The designation ends any open competition at the position and marks a new chapter for a Red Raiders program that finished last season ranked among the nation's elite.
Hammond has been on the roster for the past two seasons, though his role was limited while Behren Morton held the starting job. In 2024, Hammond completed passes for 471 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. His production ticked upward in 2025, when he threw for 680 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions across his appearances.
Big Shoes to Fill After Morton's Departure
Hammond inherits the position from Morton, who put together a strong 2025 campaign. Morton threw for 2,780 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes. Under Morton, Texas Tech went 12-2, claimed the Big 12 title and earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff before losing to Oregon in the quarterfinals.
Hammond will be tasked with maintaining that level of success as the Red Raiders look to return to the playoff. The bar set by the 2025 roster — one of the program's most accomplished in recent memory — will frame expectations heading into the new season.
The Hammond era officially begins on Sept. 5 when Texas Tech hosts the Abilene Christian Wildcats at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. The Red Raiders then travel to face Oregon State on Sept. 12 before returning home to open Big 12 play against Houston on Sept. 18. All three of the team's opening games are scheduled in prime time.
