Legendary CFB coach shares a complicated Texas Tech Red Raiders football prediction for 2026
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Legendary CFB coach shares a complicated Texas Tech Red Raiders football prediction for 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Urban Meyer doesn’t know what to make of the Texas Tech Red Raiders’ chances during the 2026 College Football season just yet. On one hand, star Cincinnati Bearcats transfer Brendan Sorsby’s uncertain future amid an investigation into his gambling in Ohio and Indiana over the last few years calls into question TTU’s position as a CFP lock and Big 12 favorite.
On the other hand, if the Red Raiders get backup quarterback Will Hammond back from a torn ACL last October in time for Big 12 play, Meyer believes Texas Tech could still be a problem in the conference.
“Think about this. You just invested $5 million. Texas Tech is no longer the Texas Tech of old; they have expectations of being in the playoffs. You lose that kid, and the backup’s got a bad knee, your chance of going to the playoffs is dropping,” Meyer said on the “Triple Option” podcast.
“I thought this might be a major hit because that quarterback could get going by then, because they have really good players. They’ve invested a lot of money in that roster. I think they’re going to be favored still in all those games. You just mentioned five games. I think I think they’ll be favored in all five.”
When is Will Hammond expected to return?
Hammond may be on an accelerated timeline to return, with Sorsby facing a potential lifetime ban for having tainted the integrity of the game by betting on his own team while with the Indiana Hoosiers.
While originally slated to return within a year’s timeframe, Hammond may be rushed back by Week 3, when Texas Tech opens up conference play at home against the Houston Cougars on a Friday night. TTU hosts the FCS Abilene Christian Wildcats in Week 1 before traveling to Corvallis to take on the Oregon State Beavers in Week 2.
The Red Raiders spent a lot of money to win football games. They won’t rely on any of the three redshirt freshmen on their roster if Hammond can’t return. Tulsa Golden Hurricane transfer Kirk Francis has at least over 3,000 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes, though with 13 interceptions, in his collegiate career. That’s your guy if Hammond in 2026 is still on the shelf and Sorsby is black-balled.
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