Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Out for Season with Torn ACL Injury

Red Raiders Quarterback Hammond Suffers Season-Ending Injury

LUBBOCK, TX – October 27, 2025 – A meaningful blow to the Texas Tech Red Raiders football program as quarterback Will Hammond sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Saturday’s contest against Oklahoma State.Sources confirmed the injury on Sunday, effectively ending Hammond’s season.

Injury Details and Game Context

the Redshirt freshman experienced the injury during the second quarter of the Red Raiders’ dominant 42-0 victory over the Cowboys. Hammond had been stepping into a starting role for the past two games, filling in for Behren Morton, who was still recovering from a prior right leg injury.

A Sudden Shift in the Quarterback Landscape

With Hammond sidelined, Mitch Griffis, a senior transfer, was called upon to finish the game.Griffis delivered a strong performance,completing 9 of 13 passes for 172 yards and accounting for two touchdowns. This performance led the No. 14 Red Raiders to their first shutout win against a Big 12 conference opponent since 2005.

Morton was available as an emergency option, even remaining in uniform during halftime. However, Griffis’s demonstrated proficiency may alter the team’s strategy in the coming weeks.

player	Position	Injury	Status
Will Hammond	Quarterback	ACL tear (Right Knee)	out for Season
Behren Morton	Quarterback	Right Leg Injury	Recovering
Mitch Griffis	Quarterback	none	Available

did You Know? ACL injuries are increasingly common in collegiate athletes. According to the NCAA, approximately 60,000 to 80,000 ACL injuries occur annually in high school and college athletes in the United States.

Pro Tip: Proper rehabilitation is crucial for a full recovery from an ACL tear. Athletes typically undergo months of physical therapy to regain strength, stability, and range of motion.

Looking Ahead for the Red Raiders

The injury to hammond presents a challenge for the red Raiders, but the performance of Mitch Griffis offers a beacon of optimism.The team now faces the task of navigating the remainder of their schedule with a modified quarterback rotation. The ability to adapt and maintain momentum will be key to their success.

Will the Red Raiders be able to maintain their winning streak despite this setback? How will the team adjust its offensive strategy with Griffis at the helm?

Understanding ACL Injuries in Football

ACL injuries are frequently seen in football due to the sport’s dynamic movements – sudden stops, changes in direction, and forceful impacts. These injuries often occur when the knee is hyperextended or twisted. The recovery process involves surgical reconstruction followed by extensive physical therapy.

Recent advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation programs have substantially improved outcomes for athletes recovering from ACL injuries. Though, returning to pre-injury performance levels remains a complex process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Tech Football

• What is an ACL injury? An ACL injury involves a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament, a major ligament in the knee.
• How long will Will Hammond be out? Hammond will miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to the severity of his ACL tear.
• Who is expected to start at quarterback for Texas Tech now? Mitch griffis is currently positioned to take on a larger role at quarterback for the Red Raiders.
• Is Behren Morton fully recovered? Morton is still recovering and was available only as an emergency option on Saturday.
• What is the ancient meaning of Texas Tech’s shutout win? This win marked the Red raiders’ first shutout victory over a Big 12 opponent since 2005.

Share your thoughts on this developing story and the Red Raiders’ season outlook in the comments below!

How does Will Hammond’s ACL injury impact Texas Tech’s offensive strategy for the remainder of the 2025 season?

Impact on the Red Raiders’ Offensive outlook

the Texas Tech Red Raiders have suffered a significant blow with the news that quarterback Will Hammond will miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL. The injury occurred during Saturday’s game against Baylor, sidelining the sophomore signal-caller and dramatically altering the team’s offensive trajectory. This is a critical setback for head coach Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders, who were hoping Hammond would continue to develop into a cornerstone player. The injury immediatly shifts focus to backup quarterback options and the potential for adjustments to the offensive scheme.

details of the Injury and Recovery Timeline

Hammond sustained the ACL tear in the third quarter of the Baylor game while scrambling on a designed run. Initial reports confirmed the severity of the injury, with an MRI revealing a complete tear. ACL recovery typically involves surgery, followed by an extensive rehabilitation program.

* Surgery: Usually performed within a few weeks of the injury.

* Phase 1 (0-2 weeks): Focuses on reducing swelling and regaining range of motion.

* Phase 2 (2-6 weeks): Strengthening exercises and continued range of motion work.

* Phase 3 (6-12 weeks): Progressive return to functional activities, including jogging and agility drills.

* Phase 4 (4-6 months+): Sport-specific training and a gradual return to full participation.

A full recovery and return to football activities is realistically expected to take 9-12 months, meaning Hammond’s availability for the start of the 2026 season is uncertain. The success of the rehabilitation process will be crucial for his long-term athletic performance.

Who Steps Up? Examining the Quarterback Depth Chart

With Hammond sidelined, the Red Raiders will turn to their backup quarterbacks. Currently, the most likely candidates to take over the starting role are:

1. Beau Randolph (Redshirt Freshman): Randolph has been praised for his arm talent and composure during practice. He offers a similar skillset to Hammond, potentially minimizing disruption to the offense.
2. Jake Miller (Sophomore): Miller provides a more mobile option, capable of extending plays with his legs. Though, he lacks Randolph’s experience in the offensive system.
3. Walk-on Options: Texas Tech also has walk-on quarterbacks on the roster, but they are unlikely to be immediate contenders for the starting position.

The coaching staff will likely evaluate each quarterback during practice this week to determine the best fit for the team’s needs. Expect a fast decision to provide stability and allow the chosen quarterback to prepare for the upcoming game against TCU. The quarterback competition will be a key storyline for the remainder of the season.

Impact on Texas Tech’s Bowl Prospects and Big 12 Championship run

hammond’s injury significantly impacts Texas Tech’s chances of reaching a bowl game and contending for the Big 12 Championship. Before the injury, the Red Raiders were considered a potential dark horse in the conference. Now, with an unproven quarterback at the helm, their path to success becomes considerably more challenging.

* Reduced Offensive Efficiency: Hammond’s absence will likely lead to a decrease in offensive production, notably in the passing game.

* Increased Defensive Pressure: Opposing defenses will focus on pressuring the new quarterback, potentially forcing turnovers and disrupting the offense.

* Tougher Schedule: Texas Tech still has challenging games remaining on their schedule, including matchups against Oklahoma State and Kansas State.

Maintaining a competitive edge will require a strong commitment to the running game and a resilient defensive performance. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be tested in the coming weeks.

Ancient Precedent: ACL Injuries and Quarterback Performance

ACL injuries to quarterbacks are sadly common in college football. Several high-profile quarterbacks have suffered similar setbacks, offering insights into the challenges and potential outcomes.

* Teddy Bridgewater (Louisville, 2013): Bridgewater suffered an ACL tear during a practice, impacting his draft stock but ultimately recovering to have a prosperous NFL career.

* Kyler Murray (Oklahoma, 2017): Murray tore his ACL in the Rose Bowl, but fully recovered and went on to become the no. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

* Jalen Hurts (Alabama/Oklahoma,2016): Hurts dealt with an ankle injury that required surgery,demonstrating the importance of proper rehabilitation.

These cases highlight the importance of a comprehensive recovery plan and the potential for quarterbacks to return to form after an ACL injury. However, the recovery process is not guaranteed, and the long-term effects can vary.

Preparing for the Future: Recruiting and long-Term QB strategy

This injury underscores the importance of consistent quarterback recruiting for Texas Tech. The coaching staff will likely prioritize adding depth at the position in the upcoming recruiting classes.

* High School Prospects: Identifying and recruiting talented high school quarterbacks is crucial for building a enduring pipeline of talent.

* Transfer Portal: Utilizing the transfer portal to add experienced quarterbacks can provide immediate depth and competition.

* Development of Current Players: Investing in the development of current quarterbacks