Texas Tech football officially enters Will Hammond era

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The Texas Tech football program officially announced its new starting quarterback for the 2026 college football season on Friday.

Will Hammond is the Red Raiders’ starting quarterback after the program announced the news via Texas Tech’s official X account.

MORE:8 top recruits to watch in college football for 2026

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.

Hammond takes over for Behren Morton, who started for the Red Raiders last season. Morton compiled 2,780 yards through the air, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. Morton completed 66 percent of his passes.

The Red Raiders had a fantastic 2025 season, finishing 12-2. Texas Tech won the Big 12 and 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.

Season will start in September

The first game of the Hammond era will take place on Sept. 5 against the Abilene Christian Wildcats. The game will be at home for the Red Raiders before they head west to play the Oregon State Beavers on Sept. 12.

The Red Raiders will then come home to play the Houston Cougars on Sept. 18 in their Big 12 opener.

Kickoff for the game between the Red Raiders and Wildcats on Sept. 5 will be at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. All three of the Red Raiders’ first three games will be in prime time.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos