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Texas Tech Opens 2026 With 33-10 Win as Will Hammond Returns From ACL

Hammond's strong start redirects focus to persistent red-zone issues the staff wants fixed before next week's trip to Oregon State.

Overview

  • Texas Tech beat Abilene Christian 33-10 on Saturday at Galaxy Stadium while outgaining the Wildcats 471-194 and holding their rushing attack to 75 yards.
  • Quarterback Will Hammond completed 26 of 33 passes for 298 yards and a 64-yard touchdown in his first start roughly 10 months after an ACL tear, showing clear mobility and accuracy.
  • The offseason quarterback controversy ended when transfer Brendan Sorsby withdrew his eligibility lawsuit and left the program to focus on the NFL draft.
  • Coach Joey McGuire said he was not satisfied because the offense repeatedly settled for field goals, including three trips inside the red zone that failed to produce touchdowns.
  • Texas Tech enters the season 1-0 and ranked No. 12 after last year’s Big 12 title and CFP appearance, with a tougher road test at Oregon State next Saturday that will test whether the offense can finish drives.