Brendan Sorsby is gone, but Texas Tech still boasts enough weapons around Will Hammond to field one of college football’s most explosive attacks in 2026.
Texas Tech football lost the quarterback who was supposed to supercharge its offense, but Clutchpoints thinks that the Red Raiders haven’t lost their ability to light up a scoreboard.
Brendan Sorsby’s turbulent offseason ended with the former Cincinnati star separating from Texas Tech following his suspension and treatment for a gambling addiction.
After briefly challenging the NCAA in court, Sorsby abandoned his effort to play in 2026.
The NFL’s decision not to conduct a Supplemental Draft left him preparing independently for the 2027 NFL Draft.
That’s a crushing turn for a Texas Tech team that envisioned Sorsby operating with more firepower than he ever had at Cincinnati.
But writing off the Red Raiders’ offense would be a mistake.
On3 analyst J.D. Pickell ranked Texas Tech’s offense No. 10 nationally entering the season.
That’s an aggressive projection without Sorsby, but it makes sense when examining the talent surrounding expected starter Will Hammond.
Hammond has spent the past two seasons gaining experience in limited appearances.
His biggest concern isn’t arm talent or command of the offense ... it’s health. Hammond suffered a torn ACL last season, and Texas Tech needs him ready for fall camp to stabilize a quarterback situation that suddenly became one of the Big 12’s biggest storylines.
He won’t have to carry the offense alone.
Cameron Dickey and J’Kobi Williams return after establishing themselves as one of college football’s most dangerous running back combinations.
Their ability to create explosive plays should keep defenses from selling out against Hammond and give the young quarterback manageable situations.
The Red Raiders also have matchup problems in the passing game. Terrance Carter Jr. enters the season as a Mackey Award candidate and could become Hammond’s security blanket at tight end.
On the outside, Coy Eakin brings proven production, while former five-star prospect Micah Hudson still possesses the kind of athletic ability that can wreck a secondary.
Texas Tech’s offense may look different than Joey McGuire originally planned, but it isn’t operating without ammunition.
The backfield is loaded, the receiving corps has serious upside and Hammond has already spent two years inside the program.
Losing Sorsby lowered the ceiling and erased much of Texas Tech’s margin for error. It didn’t destroy the offense.
Should Hammond return healthy and protect the football, the Red Raiders can still punish Big 12 defenses. The quarterback changed, but Texas Tech’s potential to produce offensive fireworks remains very real.
