Who's Texas Tech's backup QB, Will Hammond?

Diego Sierra

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Who's Texas Tech's backup QB, Will Hammond? image

On Saturday, all eyes were on Texas Tech vs. Utah in a Big 12 showdown in the early slate. The supposed high-level QB battle was between Red Raiders QB Behren Morton and Utes QB Devon Dampier, but it was an unlikely name who stole the headlines this past weekend. That name was Texas Tech's backup QB Will Hammond. 

During the third quarter of the Utah game, Morton got knocked out of the game after sliding headfirst into a Utah DB, Johnathan Hall. Hammond's number was called, and he sprang into action without skipping a beat.

Before Hammond had entered the game, the Red Raiders' offense was stale, having scored once in the last eight possessions. Texas Tech was leading Utah 10 to 3. Once he took over, he would go on to throw for 169 yards, was 13 of 16 in passing completions, and had two passing touchdowns.

The Red Raiders would go on to outscore the Utes in the fourth quarter 24-7, leading them to win the game 34-10.

After the win, Texas Tech HC Joey McGuire was asked about Hammond's performance. "The standard is the standard; if you're gonna wear the Double T and step on this football field, you better play with Red Raider speed," McGuire said.

The performance Hammond earned him the week 4 Big 12 offensive player and freshman of the week, which was announced on Monday.

Will Hammond's Background

Hammond was a class of 2024 early enrollee for Texas Tech. He went to Hutto High School in the Austin Area, where he was a 4-star QB. He is also an alumnus of the Elite 11, a high school QB competition where only the best QBs in the nation get invited.

Hammond appeared in the previous three games before the last game's heroics. They were all in garbage time as Texas Tech already had a sizeable lead on all three opponents.

He also played four games last season for the Red Raiders, allowing him to redshirt. One of those games, however, was a start in the Liberty Bowl against the Arkansas Razorbacks. In that game, he was 20 of 34 in passing attempts, 280 passing yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.

What's Next for Will Hammond?

It seems that this was a one-time opportunity for Hammond this season, as reports indicate Morton will have some time to rest this bye week and will be ready to go against the Houston Cougars on October 4th. Unless something drastic happens, he will remain the backup for the rest of the season. 

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Diego Sierra

Diego Sierra is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He graduated from Texas Tech in 2024. Diego formerly managed social media for Barstool Texas Tech and interned for Ramar Communications.