Urban Meyer expresses uncertainty about the Texas Tech Red Raiders' prospects for the 2026 season, citing the unclear future of quarterback Brendan Sorsby amid a gambling investigation. However, he believes that if backup Will Hammond recovers from his ACL injury, Texas Tech could still be competitive in the Big 12.
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Legendary CFB coach shares a complicated Texas Tech Red Raiders football prediction for 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Urban Meyer doesnât know what to make of the Texas Tech Red Raidersâ chances during the 2026 College Football season just yet. On one hand, star Cincinnati Bearcats transfer Brendan Sorsbyâs uncertain future amid an investigation into his gambling in Ohio and Indiana over the last few years calls into question TTUâs position as a CFP lock and Big 12 favorite.
On the other hand, if the Red Raiders get backup quarterback Will Hammond back from a torn ACL last October in time for Big 12 play, Meyer believes Texas Tech could still be a problem in the conference.
âThink about this. You just invested $5 million. Texas Tech is no longer the Texas Tech of old; they have expectations of being in the playoffs. You lose that kid, and the backupâs got a bad knee, your chance of going to the playoffs is dropping,â Meyer said on the âTriple Optionâ podcast.
âI thought this might be a major hit because that quarterback could get going by then, because they have really good players. Theyâve invested a lot of money in that roster. I think theyâre going to be favored still in all those games. You just mentioned five games. I think I think theyâll be favored in all five.â
Urban Meyer is uncertain about Texas Tech's chances in 2026 due to the investigation surrounding quarterback Brendan Sorsby and the recovery of backup Will Hammond from injury.
Sorsby's gambling investigation raises questions about Texas Tech's status as a College Football Playoff contender and Big 12 favorite for the upcoming season.
Will Hammond is recovering from a torn ACL, and his return could significantly influence Texas Tech's performance in the Big 12 if he is fit to play.
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Hammond may be on an accelerated timeline to return, with Sorsby facing a potential lifetime ban for having tainted the integrity of the game by betting on his own team while with the Indiana Hoosiers.
While originally slated to return within a yearâs timeframe, Hammond may be rushed back by Week 3, when Texas Tech opens up conference play at home against the Houston Cougars on a Friday night. TTU hosts the FCS Abilene Christian Wildcats in Week 1 before traveling to Corvallis to take on the Oregon State Beavers in Week 2.
The Red Raiders spent a lot of money to win football games. They wonât rely on any of the three redshirt freshmen on their roster if Hammond canât return. Tulsa Golden Hurricane transfer Kirk Francis has at least over 3,000 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes, though with 13 interceptions, in his collegiate career. Thatâs your guy if Hammond in 2026 is still on the shelf and Sorsby is black-balled.