Texas Tech football fans, buckle up, ‘cause things are heating up in Lubbock. The Red Raiders are throwing down the gauntlet with a fresh-faced gunslinger ready to make his mark. After wrapping up a rollercoaster 2024 season with an 8-5 record and a 6-3 Big 12 run, the boys from Texas Tech hit a snag against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, taking a 39–26 loss without their QB1. But that’s all old news because head coach Joey McGuire is out here making moves and serving up some interesting updates.

On March 10, college football insider Ty Kaplan took to X and dropped some big news about Texas Tech’s quarterback situation. Word on the street is that sophomore quarterback Will Hammond’s about to be the man for the spring, holding down the fort while Behren Morton continues rehabbing that janky shoulder of his. It’s not like Morton didn’t leave his mark in 2024, though. Before the injury, Morton was slinging dimes left and right, racking up 3,335 yards, 27 touchdowns, and gave to just 8 interceptions, with a slick 63.3% completion rate. One of his best games? Smacking Oklahoma State with 401 yards and four touchdowns in a shootout, 56-48. Got himself the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Player of the Week award for that one. But injuries have been dogging him for some time now.

Let’s keep it real: Morton’s been playing through pain for nearly two seasons. The man even suited up against Iowa State after busting up his shoulder against TCU. But that right shoulder of his? It’s been nothing but trouble. Surgery in December was the only way to fix it, and it took him out of the Liberty Bowl. Freshman Will Hammond had to step up in his place, and boy did he deliver even though the Red Raiders took L against Sam Pittman‘s Arkansas. He completed 20 of 34 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 14 yards and throwing 2 picks. So, Hammond’s got some serious upside. And now, he’s QB1 for spring practice.

But it’s not just about Morton and Hammond, alright. The Red Raiders HC Joey McGuire’s been working the transfer portal like a bloodhound left without a lease. Texas Tech snatched up 17 commitments for the 2025 season, including 11 four-star recruits. And we’re talking big names, like USC running back Quinten Joyner. Looks like the Red Raiders have got some real firepower heading into the season. McGuire’s out here grinding, reshaping his squad, and he’s doing it with swagger.

Things weren’t all sunshine and rainbows, though. After the 2024 season, McGuire gave defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter and secondary coach Marcel Yates the boot, because, let’s be honest, that defense was Swiss cheese. They allowed over 300 passing yards per game—second-worst in the FBS. Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley also dipped, taking the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic. To fill the gaps, Texas Tech brought in Shiel Wood from Houston to handle the defense and Mack Leftwich from Texas State to run the offense. Big changes, but hey, sometimes you gotta clear the deck to build something real.

Joey McGuire’s new No.3 for Red Raiders

Now, speaking of building something real, Joey McGuire just handed out one of the most coveted honors in the Texas Tech locker room: the No. 3 jersey. And this year, it’s going to junior wide receiver Coy Eakin. Here’s the deal—McGuire gives out the No. 3 jersey every season to the Red Raider who best embodies what he calls ‘The Brand’. That’s code for toughness, work ethic, and straight-up competitiveness. “Coy’s proven his toughness to this team over his time as a Red Raider,” McGuire said. “He’s developed into one of our most consistent players on the offensive side of the ball. He will be a great representative of that jersey number and what it means to this football program.”

Eakin’s earned it, no question. The WR1’s coming off his best season yet, racking up 49 catches for 652 yards and seven touchdowns as just a sophomore. That’s 1,068 yards and nine touchdowns in his 27-game career. And now, he’s out here starting spring practices as the offensive representative of the No. 3 jersey, while senior inside linebacker Bryce Ramirez continues to rep the number on defense. Ramirez has been wearing it for three straight seasons now, and McGuire’s got nothing but praise for both of these dudes.

What’s crazy is all these moving pieces—quarterback battles, transfer portal wins, and McGuire’s reshuffled coaching staff—are all setting up Texas Tech to be a legit problem in the Big 12 this season. Whether it’s Will Hammond proving he’s ready to lead or Behren Morton making a comeback from surgery, the Red Raiders have options. And with Eakin rocking the No. 3 jersey, you know McGuire’s got his soldiers lined up and ready to roll.

2025 is shaping up to be wild, man. With Morton still healing up and Hammond looking to make a name for himself, Texas Tech’s QB situation is anything but settled. And with Coy Eakin rocking the No. 3 jersey, you know McGuire’s keeping that culture locked down. It’s finna get interesting in Lubbock.