Sports
Kirk Francis, Lloyd Jones III on standby in Texas Tech football QB room - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Kirk Francis knew he probably wouldn't start at quarterback for Texas Tech in 2026 when he visited Lubbock last winter, and he committed anyway. Francis, one of two backup quarterbacks currently in the Red Raiders' QB room alongside Lloyd Jones III, said a meeting in coach Joey McGuire's office with his parents sealed the decision.
Francis, one of two backup quarterbacks currently in the Red Raiders' QB room alongside Lloyd Jones III, said a meeting in coach Joey McGuire's office with his parents sealed the decision. "Once you hear him talk and you see how passionate he is about this place and just about Lubbock and Texas Tech and the people here, it was a no-brainer," Francis said on August 19.
That kind of buy-in matters when you're not the guy at the top of the depth chart. Francis came in with clear eyes about his role, which makes his commitment a different story than the usual transfer portal recruitment pitch. McGuire sold him on the program itself, not a starting job.
For Red Raiders fans, the deeper QB room gives Texas Tech a cushion behind whoever lines up first in Big 12 play. Jones and Francis sitting in reserve means McGuire has options if the starter struggles or gets hurt, and neither backup arrived expecting a handout.
Common questions
Why did Kirk Francis commit to Texas Tech if he knew he wouldn't start?
- Francis said a meeting with coach Joey McGuire and his parents in McGuire's office sealed it. McGuire's passion for Texas Tech and Lubbock made the decision a no-brainer, even without a starting job promised. Francis came in with clear eyes about his backup role.
Who are the backup quarterbacks in Texas Tech's QB room right now?
- Kirk Francis and Lloyd Jones III are the two backup quarterbacks currently in the Red Raiders' QB room. Both are behind the starter on the depth chart heading into the 2026 season.
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