Texas Tech Navigates Quarterback Uncertainty After Will Hammond’s ACL Injury

Texas Tech’s 2024 season has been defined by senior quarterback Will Hammond’s torn ACL and the Red Raiders’ decision to bring in transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby as insurance. After surgery in December, Hammond returned to full health by mid-July and was cleared for limited-contact 7-on-7 drills. The coaching staff held a team meeting on June 15 to announce that the program was moving forward with Sorsby while Hammond continued his rehab.

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Hammond, a 20-year-old from Austin, was a top 2022 recruit who chose Texas Tech over SEC offers. He entered the 2024 season as a backup, earned the starting role after injuries to Behren Morton, and then suffered a season-ending knee injury in October.

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• Career record as starter: 1-2.

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• 2023-24 season production (pre-injury): 169 passing yards and 61 rushing yards in a win at Utah.

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• Recruitment: Sorsby, a former Cincinnati transfer, received a multi-million-dollar investment from the program.

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Head coach Joey McGuire said the program’s financial commitment required a contingency plan and praised Hammond’s “team-first” attitude during rehab. He reiterated that Hammond remains the long-term starter despite the addition of Sorsby and veteran transfer Tommy Castellanos.

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Terrance Carter, the team’s preseason All-American tight end, expressed confidence that the roster can compete for a national title regardless of the quarterback situation.

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• “Even if this situation hadn't happened, Will Hammond would've told you he's the starting quarterback of Texas Tech no matter who was in that quarterback room,” — Joey McGuire

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• “It's crazy to say this, but Will may set every record in the history books at Texas Tech in his career,” — Joey McGuire

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• “With the amount of money that's being placed into these rosters, we felt like if there was any setback injury-wise, we couldn't take the chance that he's not going to be ready,” — Joey McGuire

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• “We've still got that secret weapon back there,” — Terrance Carter

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The quarterback dilemma directly influences Texas Tech’s pursuit of a national championship. Hammond’s recovery timeline and the integration of Sorsby affect offensive continuity, play-calling, and recruiting credibility. The program’s willingness to allocate significant resources to a transfer underscores the high stakes of competing in the Big 12.

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Hammond is slated to make his first appearance post-injury in a Saturday matchup against Abilene Christian, marking his return to live-action competition. The coaching staff will assess his performance to determine the quarterback hierarchy, while Sorsby remains prepared to assume the starting role if needed.

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