Will Hammond Takes the Reins as Texas Tech Football Embarks on New Era
Texas Tech's new starting quarterback Will Hammond is set to lead the Red Raiders into the 2026 college football season, taking over from Behren Morton.
The Red Raiders had a fantastic 2025 season, finishing 12-2 and winning the Big 12. They earned a bye in the College Football Playoff before falling to the Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals. Hammond will try to take them back to the CFP this season.
Hammond has been with the Red Raiders for the last two seasons, but has played sparingly. He finished the 2024 season with 471 yards through the air, two touchdowns and two interceptions. In 2025, he threw for 680 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Morton compiled 2,780 yards through the air, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 66 percent of his passes. Hammond will have to step up his game to match Morton's success.
The Red Raiders will kick off the 2026 season at home against the Abilene Christian Wildcats on September 5. The game will be at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. All three of the Red Raiders' first three games will be in prime time.
Hammond's first test will come against the Wildcats, and he will need to show he can lead the team to victory. The Red Raiders will then head west to play the Oregon State Beavers on September 12.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Texas Tech, with Hammond at the helm. The Red Raiders will look to build on their success from last season and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
Source: Yahoo Sports
