Will Hammond Faces Growing Questions Despite Texas Tech’s Perfect Start
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Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond has accomplished the most important thing through three games: the Red Raiders haven't lost.
That hasn't stopped questions from building around the junior quarterback.
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No. 11 Texas Tech enters Saturday’s game against Sam Houston at 3-0, but Hammond’s uneven start has become one of the bigger storylines surrounding a team with legitimate College Football Playoff ambitions.
Through three games, Hammond has completed 63 of 87 passes for 744 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
His 72.4 percent completion rate is strong, but the explosive passing plays and mobility that made him dangerous before tearing his ACL last season haven't consistently returned.
Sports Illustrated’s Zach Koons consequently placed Hammond among his quarterbacks whose stock has fallen since the preseason.
“Hammond took over for the rest of the game, but still doesn’t have the mobility that made him such a threat in 2025 before his injury,” Koons wrote following Texas Tech’s 28-26 victory over Houston.
That game illustrated both sides of the debate.
Tommy Castellanos surprisingly took the opening snap and immediately threw an interception, but Hammond handled nearly everything afterward.
He completed 17 of 27 passes for 257 yards, connecting with Kenny Johnson for a 35-yard touchdown while helping Tech erase an early 10-0 deficit.
Coach Joey McGuire removed any ambiguity afterward.
“Will Hammond is our starting quarterback,” McGuire said. “We have packages for Tommy and those packages will continue to grow.”
So there isn't a quarterback controversy … at least not yet.
There is, however, pressure for Hammond to turn efficiency into more production.
Texas Tech has leaned heavily on its defense and rushing attack while Hammond continues working his way back from the ACL injury.
That formula has been good enough for three victories, including the Big 12 opener against Houston.
The expectations in Lubbock are considerably higher than simply remaining competitive.
Texas Tech built this roster to chase another Big 12 championship and contend nationally. Eventually, that likely means Hammond will have to make difficult throws in games that can't be controlled solely by defense and the running game.
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For now, McGuire is sticking with him.
And at 3-0, Texas Tech has the luxury of allowing Hammond time to prove that patience is justified.
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