The Red Raiders’ dominant 42–0 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday came with a devastating price. According to multiple media reports confirmed Sunday, Texas Tech redshirt freshman quarterback Will Hammond suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his right knee. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the news.
Hammond went down midway through the second quarter after a nine-yard scramble that initially looked routine. As he tried to cut upfield for extra yards, his right foot stuck awkwardly in the turf, and he immediately grabbed his knee in pain. The play was ruled dead, and a timeout was called as medical staff rushed onto the field.
The noncontact nature of the injury was concerning from the start, and those fears were confirmed after Hammond underwent an MRI on Sunday that revealed the torn ACL. Head coach Joey McGuire mentioned after Saturday’s game that the team would have more clarity the following day — and unfortunately, the results weren’t what Red Raider fans hoped for.
A Promising Season Cut Short
The 6-foot-2 redshirt freshman had been quietly building momentum throughout the 2025 season. Hammond appeared in all eight games, starting twice — including Saturday’s matchup against the Cowboys and an earlier start against Arizona State. He closes the year completing 69 of 109 passes (63.3%) for 680 yards, with seven passing touchdowns and five rushing scores.
Though still early in his college career, Hammond had shown impressive poise and athleticism. His ability to extend plays with his legs gave the Red Raiders another dimension offensively. Losing him just as he was gaining confidence makes this setback even tougher for both Hammond and the team.
Next Man Up: Griffis and Morton
After Hammond’s injury, senior quarterback Mitch Griffis stepped in to finish the game, managing the offense efficiently to preserve the shutout victory. However, head coach Joey McGuire confirmed that Behren Morton, the senior starter who began the season under center, is expected to start next week against Kansas State.
Morton, who missed the past two games with a lower-leg injury, is reportedly healthy enough to return to action. The timing is critical — Tech (now 6–2 and ranked No. 13) enters a pivotal stretch in Big 12 play.
Behind Morton and Griffis, true freshmen Holden Phillips and Lloyd Jones III will now compete for the third-string role. Phillips even saw limited action late in Saturday’s win, signaling the staff’s confidence in his readiness should the depth chart be tested again.
Looking Ahead
Texas Tech will travel to Manhattan, Kansas, this Saturday to face Kansas State in a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. With Morton back at the helm and Griffis in reserve, the Red Raiders still have experience at quarterback — but Hammond’s loss is a reminder of how quickly a promising season can change course.
For now, the focus will be on supporting Hammond through his recovery. ACL injuries typically require 9–12 months of rehab, meaning the talented young quarterback could return in time for the 2026 season.
