"This is a dream of mine": Will Hammond opens up ahead of first season as Texas Tech's QB1

Hammond tore up his knee during the 2025 season, ending his year early and leaving the starting job unsettled heading into the offseason. The situation around Brendan Sorsby's eligibility added another layer of uncertainty to who would line up under center when the Red Raiders opened 2026. Hammond came out the other side, telling reporters Tuesday he is 100 percent healthy and ready to go.

"It feels great, man," Hammond said. "It feels great to be 100%, and it feels great to be back out there with the guys."

For fans who packed Jones AT&T Stadium through a rocky stretch last season, Saturday is the first real look at what this offense can do with Hammond healthy and in charge. Abilene Christian is not exactly a murderers' row opponent, but that is exactly what a quarterback coming off a major injury needs. He gets a chance to settle in, get reps, and prove the knee is behind him.

Hammond called reaching this point "a dream of mine," which is either the most college football thing you can say or the realest thing, depending on how much of his offseason you followed.