Hutto’s Hammond earns Texas Tech starting role
HUTTO – When Will Hammond returned home to Hutto earlier this summer, he wasn’t focused on quarterback competitions or depth charts.
Instead, the former Hutto High School standout spent his day reading books to students at Ray Elementary School, playing football with children during recess and giving back to the community that helped shape him into one of Central Texas’ top football players.
Just months later, Hammond reached another milestone in a football journey that began in Hutto.
After overcoming a season- ending ACL injury and remaining loyal to Texas Tech through an uncertain offseason, Hammond was named the Red Raiders’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
“It’s exciting. This is something I have been working toward my whole life,” Hammond said. “It’s a really cool opportunity to go out and represent the team, represent these guys and just compete.” The opportunity comes after Hammond overcame significant adversity during his first two seasons in Lubbock.
After arriving at Texas Tech, Hammond started a handful of games as a freshman before ultimately redshirting, which allows an athlete another year of eligibility if he plays four or less games. Last season, he stepped into the starting role after incumbent quarterback Behren Morton suffered an injury.
Hammond delivered the best performance of his collegiate career in a victory over then-No. 16 Utah, completing 13 of 16 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. He remained the starter over the following weeks before suffering a torn ACL in the second quarter of Texas Tech’s 42-0 win over Oklahoma State, ending his season.
The injury was one of the first major setbacks of Hammond’s football career.
“It was a lot of work to go from having surgery and looking at a six- to eight-month recovery to now being cleared and being named the starting quarterback,” Hammond said. “It’s obviously a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. I learned so much through the injury and the adversity. It gave me the opportunity to step back, gain a different perspective and appreciate the chance to represent this team and program. I’m really grateful for that.”
The offseason also brought uncertainty for the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech added transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati, but he later departed from the team this off-season after NCAA gambling-related violations from his previous school came to light.
Although Hammond entered the offseason as the presumed backup behind Sorsby, he never considered leaving despite the transfer portal becoming a common avenue for players seeking opportunities elsewhere.
“It’s a wild world in college football, and it’s not one that necessarily rewards loyalty,” Hammond said. “But I’m a loyal guy, and I love this place. I always believed things would work out the way they were supposed to. I trusted the process, trusted my gut and stayed the course. I’m just happy to be in this position.”
Former Hutto head coach Will Compton said Hammond’s maturity has always separated him from his peers.
“Will was one of the first athletes I met, and from the moment I met him I knew he had a bright future,” Compton said. “He was very mature for his age. The way he broke down the game was on a different level. As good as he is as a football player, he’s just as good of a human being. He’s truly one of the best student-athletes I’ve ever coached.”
While Hammond’s accomplishments on the field continue to grow, those who know him best say he has never forgotten where he came from.
Hammond has made several visits to Ray Elementary School over the years, continuing to give back to the Hutto community that supported him growing up. During one visit this offseason, he read books to students, played football during recess and surprised five students who had earned enough points through the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program.
The students redeemed their points for a game of UNO with a mystery guest before Hammond walked through the door.
Former Ray Elementary principal Dr. Alexis Campbell said Hammond’s visits have always made a lasting impression on students.
“The students were really excited. The older kids, of course, knew exactly who he was,” Campbell said. “He’s such a great kid — very humble and down to earth. You can tell how successful he’s become, but you would never know it once you meet him.”
Hammond said giving back to the Hutto community that supported him throughout his childhood is something he will always prioritize.
“As you get older, you cherish those moments from when you were younger,” Hammond said. “There’s nothing like playing football at recess with your friends. I’m just glad I can give back to the community, spend time with those kids and help them realize this is a special time in their lives. It’s only going to get better.”
Although he now leads one of the Big 12’s premier programs, Hammond said Hutto will always be home.
“It’s special,” Hammond said. “I was there recently and seeing the new basketball arena and watching the town continue to grow was really cool. It was a great place to grow up. I’m grateful to represent Hippo Nation, Central Texas and all of the awesome people who come from there.”
For the former Hippo, earning the starting job at Texas Tech is another milestone in a journey that started on the football fields of Hutto. Even as his career continues on one of college football’s biggest stages, Hammond remains committed to representing the community that first believed in him.
