Urban Meyer is unsure about the Texas Tech Red Raiders’ prospects for the 2026 college football season. On the other hand, star Cincinnati Bearcats transfer Brendan Sorsby’s uncertain future due to an inquiry into his gambling in Ohio and Indiana over the last several years casts doubt on TTU’s status as a CFP lock and Big 12 contender.
On the other hand, if the Red Raiders get backup quarterback Will Hammond back from a knee injury last October in time for Big 12 play, Meyer believes Texas Tech might yet be a contender in the league.
“Think about this. You just invested $5 million. Texas Tech is not what it used to be; They anticipate being in the playoffs. “If you lose that youngster, and the backup has a terrible knee, your chances of making the playoffs are diminishing,” Meyer remarked on the “Triple Option” podcast.
“I anticipated this might be a huge hit because that quarterback could get going by then, and they have some very talented players. They have spent a significant sum of money on that squad. I believe they will be favored in all of those games. You just mentioned five games. I believe they will be favored in all five. “
When will Will Hammond return?
Hammond may be on an expedited return timetable, while Sorsby faces a possible lifetime ban for tarnishing the game’s integrity by wagering on his own team while a member of the Indiana Hoosiers.
While initially scheduled to return within a year, Hammond may be hurried back by Week 3, when Texas Tech begins conference play at home against the Houston Cougars on a Friday night. TTU hosts the FCS Abilene Christian Wildcats in Week 1 before visiting Corvallis to face the Oregon State Beavers in Week 2.
The Red Raiders spent a lot of money to win football games. If Hammond is unable to return, they will not depend on any of the three redshirt prospects on their roster. Kirk Francis, a Tulsa Golden Hurricane transfer, has at least 3,000 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes in his college career, but he has 13 interceptions. If Hammond is still on the sidelines in 2026 and Sorsby is blacklisted, that’s the guy for you.
