Anonymous Coach Questions Whether Texas Tech Will Win Big 12 Again
Texas Tech is still the team to beat in the Big 12. Even with the eligibility of quarterback Brendan Sorsby in doubt, the Red Raiders remain the favorite to repeat as champions of their conference.
Coach Joey McGuire's squad can weather the potential absence of Sorsby, the crown jewel of yet another stacked Texas Tech transfer class. But after a breakthrough season, the Red Raiders' iron grip on the top spot in the Big 12 may already be slipping.
"I think they're still ultra-talented, so they can still (win the Big 12)," an anonymous Big 12 coach said in Athlon Sports' 2026 College Football Preview magazine. "It's just not gonna be easy. To me, it was BYU vs. Texas Tech for the Big 12 championship. Can you say that now? I don't know."
These comments were made in Texas Tech's exclusive scouting report in Athlon's annual magazine, which is available for purchase online and at newsstands nationwide.
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The Red Raiders won a program-record 12 games in 2025 on the way to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and a rare conference title. Texas Tech's point differential was bested only by national champion Indiana. But the Red Raiders' dream season ultimately ended with a shutout loss in the CFP quarterfinals.
The addition of Sorsby, an All-Big 12 selection last season at Cincinnati, was supposed to elevate an offense that stalled out in the postseason. Now, there's a chance he never plays college football again.
The NCAA ruled Sorsby ineligible after an investigation into his gambling history found that he allegedly bet on Indiana games while a member of the team. This information came to light in April, months after Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech.
Sorsby filed an injunction that would allow him to continue to play while the case unfolds after his appeal was denied. A decision is expected this week after Monday's hearing. (Texas Tech is also separately appealing the NCAA ruling.)
"(Brendan Sorsby) is not gonna be able to play, no matter what they say," the anonymous coach said. "There's no way because once you open Pandora's Box, it's over."
NCAA rules strictly prohibit players from betting on their own teams. Those who do are subject to a permanent loss of eligibility. That's why Texas Texas Tech might be moving forward with backup quarterback Will Hammond as the starter in 2026. But even that is not a straightforward solution as he works his way back from an October ACL tear.
Hammond flashed as a redshirt freshman across eight appearances, including two starts. His most notable showing came against Utah when he came off the bench to lead a blowout win on the road.
Between Hammond, a stacked backfield and a reworked receiver room, the offense could pick up roughly where it left off. But when will he be back?
Hammond is on track to return for football activities in late August, which puts him on a time crunch for Texas Tech's season opener on Sept. 5 against FCS Abilene Christian.
The Red Raiders face Oregon State on the road the following week before they host Houston in arguably the biggest game of the regular season in the Big 12. And even if Hammond returns before the Cougars come to town, he might not yet be at full strength.
"Will Hammond is talented," the anonymous coach said, "but we all know with an ACL, it takes a long time to recover."
Beyond Sorsby, Texas Tech brought in another quarterback in the portal. Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis is in the mix with redshirt freshman Lloyd Jones III and could ultimately start Week 1 under center.
The Red Raiders have been one of the biggest spenders in college football the last few years. Accordingly, they have excelled in the transfer portal - and this season was no different. But the anonymous coach questioned the long-term viability of that approach.
"It's hard every year when you recruit the portal," the anonymous coach said. "Obviously, last year, they hit on all four of those D-linemen. Are they really gonna do that every year? I mean, that's hard."
The coach seems to be referring to David Bailey, Romello Height, Lee Hunter and A.J. Holmes. Of that group, only Holmes is back with other three off to the NFL. He'll be joined by heralded newcomers Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest), Adam Trick (Miami Ohio) and Trey White (San Diego State).
If Texas Tech's offense takes even a step back given its complicated quarterback situation, there will be pressure on that new-look defense to dominate in the Red Raiders' pursuit of back-to-back Big 12 titles.
Related: Athlon Sports 2026 College Football Preview Magazine Available Now
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM.