Joey McGuire doesn't do "rebuilding." He just doesn't. After a historic 12-win season and a Big 12 Championship in 2025, the vibes in Lubbock are at an all-time high, even if that Orange Bowl loss to Oregon left a slightly bitter taste in everyone's mouth. But with Behren Morton officially out of eligibility, the biggest question on every Red Raider fan's mind this January is simple: who is the next qb for texas tech?
The answer came fast. It came loud. And it cost a fair bit of NIL money.
The Brendan Sorsby Bombshell
Honestly, most of us thought the transition would be internal. The plan was Will Hammond. Then the ACL tear happened against Oklahoma State in October, and suddenly, the 2026 outlook got murky. Joey McGuire didn't sit around waiting for a miracle recovery. On January 4, 2026, Texas Tech landed the "Crown Jewel" of the transfer portal: Brendan Sorsby.
If you haven't followed his trajectory at Cincinnati, here is the quick version: the guy is a monster. He’s a North Texas kid—originally from Lake Dallas—who threw for over 3,000 yards and accounted for 36 total touchdowns last year. He chose Tech over LSU after a wild 48-hour visit.
Why does this matter? Because Sorsby isn't just a "bridge" guy. He's an NFL-caliber talent who fits Mack Leftwich’s system like a glove. He has the size (6'3") and that specific brand of "Texas toughness" McGuire obsesses over.
Why Sorsby Picked Lubbock
- The System: Mack Leftwich’s offense is basically a playground for a dual-threat guy who can read a defense in two seconds.
- The Weapons: Micah Hudson is returning. Caleb Douglas is back. The cupboard is not just full; it’s overflowing.
- The Home Factor: Getting back to Texas is a big deal for these kids now, especially with the NIL support Tech has drummed up (rumored to be around $11 million for this portal cycle alone).
The Will Hammond Situation
You've gotta feel for Will Hammond. The kid was basically the heir apparent. He stepped in for an injured Morton mid-season in 2025 and looked like the real deal, throwing for 680 yards and 7 touchdowns in limited action. That Arizona State game? He was gutsy.
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But that knee injury changed everything.
While McGuire says they’re "hopeful" he’ll be ready for the 2026 opener, realistically, he’s looking at a redshirt freshman recovery year. He signed a two-year NIL deal, so he isn't going anywhere, but the qb for texas tech battle in 2026 is Sorsby’s to lose while Hammond gets his body right.
Don't Sleep on Lloyd Jones III
Here is a name that doesn't get enough national love: Lloyd Jones III.
Basically, he’s a winner. He threw over 100 touchdowns in his high school career at Hitchcock. On December 30, 2025, he shut down any transfer rumors by tweeting, "2026 gon' be special. Let's run it back."
He actually got some snaps in the blowout against West Virginia last year and tossed two touchdowns. He’s 6'4", 215 pounds, and has a rocket for an arm. If Sorsby somehow struggles or catches the injury bug (which, let’s be real, happens a lot in Lubbock), Jones is the guy I’d watch. He’s got that "it" factor.
The 2026 Depth Chart (As it stands today)
- Brendan Sorsby (The presumptive starter/Transfer from Cincinnati)
- Lloyd Jones III (The rising sophomore with high upside)
- Mitch Griffis (The steady veteran/Wake Forest transfer who came out of "retirement")
- Will Hammond (Recovery mode/Future of the program)
The Long-Term Play: Kavian Bryant
If you’re looking even further down the road, the commitment of Kavian Bryant for the 2027 class is massive. Scouts are already comparing him to Cam Ward. He’s a five-star talent who can launch the ball from any angle.
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But that’s 2027. For right now, the focus is squarely on Sorsby.
What most people get wrong about the qb for texas tech situation is thinking that the Red Raiders are just "lucky" to get these guys. It isn't luck. McGuire has built a culture where quarterbacks want to play. They see the 12-win seasons. They see the Big 12 trophies. They see the path to the NFL.
Actionable Insights for Red Raider Fans
If you're trying to keep track of this chaotic room, here is what you actually need to do over the next few months:
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- Watch the Spring Game: This will be the first time we see Sorsby in the scarlet and black. Pay attention to his chemistry with Micah Hudson.
- Monitor Hammond's Socials: His rehab progress will dictate if Tech needs to hunt for another backup in the spring portal window.
- Check the NIL Numbers: The "The Brand" collective is the engine behind these signings. If the funding stays high, expect more elite targets to follow Sorsby’s lead.
The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride. With a proven vet like Sorsby and a room full of young lions, the Red Raiders aren't just looking to defend their Big 12 title—they're looking to actually win a playoff game this time.
Keep an eye on the transfer portal window closing this Friday. If no one else leaves, this is arguably the deepest quarterback room in the entire Big 12.