Will Hammond threw for 298 yards and a touchdown in his return from last year's season-ending knee injury and No. 12 Texas Tech beat Abilene Christian 33-10 on Saturday night in the opener for the defending Big 12 champion. Hammond made good on coach Joey McGuire's declarations throughout the summer that his expected starter would be ready opening night, slightly more than 10 months after tearing the ACL in his right knee. “I told him before the game, I said, ‘First, be Will Hammond, and take a deep breath.’” McGuire said.

No. 12 Texas Tech opens 2026 against Abilene Christian with Will Hammond healthy, a sold-out stadium and expectations that have never been higher.

Texas Tech football became bound to draw millions of eyes ahead of Saturday. And not just because of Tommy Castellanos making his Red Raiders appearance following his failed NFL pursuit . One former five-star College Football Recruiting find earned hype to breakout this season under coach Joey McGuire. College football insiders for CBS Sports Chris […] The post Texas Tech football news: Former 5-star wide receiver named as breakout candidate appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Red Raiders' billionaire donor gets fired up about losing the gambling QB before the season.

Sports Illustrated staff writer Bryan Fischer talks with Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire at the 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star’s Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, about the controversy surrounding quarterback Brendan Sorsby, putting his player’s mental and physical health first, handling outside criticism, reloading a talented defense and what it will take for the reigning Big 12 champions to make another College Football Playoff run.

The Red Raiders will try and make a statement this season.