Texas Tech is expected to start backup quarterback Will Hammond at Arizona State on Saturday in place of Behren Morton, according to reports.
Hammond has appeared in all six games this season due to blowouts and Morton exiting with different injuries, most recently a leg ailment.
Morton, who is expected to be available off the bench, was questionable on the week’s first three Big 12 availability reports. A final update will drop 90 minutes before kickoff.
Hammond is 38 of 57 with 411 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He’s also rushed for 231 yards and four touchdowns on 9.6 yards per carry.
It would be the redshirt freshman’s first start of the season, and he’s slated to face ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who will likely return after missing last week’s 42-10 loss at Utah. Leavitt has been probable on all three availability reports.
star edge romello height upgraded from questionable to probable for texas tech.
only changes for asu are ian shewell getting ruled out and kanyon floyd now questionable after both were doubtful. pic.twitter.com/QHClj4x8b2
— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) October 18, 2025
What have ASU coaches said about Will Hammond?
ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham said in a week where his opponent’s quarterback is uncertain, there should be one game plan and not two, with an identification of both signal callers’ strengths and weaknesses.
He sees Hammond’s strengths as all-encompassing.
“They have him on a two-year deal because, obviously the resources combined with, they believe in him,” Dillingham said. “They knew that this is a guy that’s going to be their future … and he’s a phenomenal player.
“He can make all the throws — you saw him do that at the end of the Utah game. You could see him scramble and break pressure with his legs, so he can really do it all. He’s a heck of a player, and he’s only getting better.”
Hammond entered Texas Tech’s Utah matchup on the Red Raiders’ first drive of the second half and while his first two full drives netted 37 yards on 11 plays for two punts, he turned it on once the fourth quarter hit.
After the Red Raiders had scored 10 points through the first three quarters, they scored 24 points on the final three drives to run away with the win.
“Both those quarterbacks are incredibly talented,” ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward added. “They got a great future ahead of them with (Hammond). He’s shown that he can play at a high level against good competition.”
Catch ASU-Texas Tech on Saturday at 1 p.m. MST on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. It will be televised on FOX.
