Tommy Castellanos-Hammond QB1 Addressed by Texas Tech HC After Replay Ruling Seals Win vs. Houston

After holding on for a 28-26 win over Houston on Friday night, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire made it clear Will Hammond is the No. 1 quarterback going forward even though Tommy Castellanos got the start.

Speaking to reporters following the dramatic win, McGuire made it clear Hammond is the Red Raiders' starter and there will be specific packages used for Castellanos:

"Will Hammond is our starting quarterback. We have packages for Tommy, and those packages will continue to grow. We had two plays we're going to run right there. If we don't get pressure, then I think we have a huge play starting right off the bat. ... The plan was two plays and Will come into the game."

Texas Tech held on to win after replay review confirmed Houston quarterback Conner Weigman was tackled down just short of the goal line on a two-point attempt that would have tied the game with 49 seconds remaining.

TTU Highlights vs. Houston

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Castellanos was a late addition to the Texas Tech roster after receiving a temporary restraining order in a ruling from a Kentucky judge that gave him a fifth year of college eligibility.

The former Boston College and Florida State starter committed to the Red Raiders on Aug. 26. They opened the season 10 days later against Abilene Christian.

Hammond is in his third season at Texas Tech. He appeared in 12 games over his first two years as the backup to Behren Morton.

Castellanos appeared in each of Texas Tech's first two games. He didn't throw a pass or attempt a run in the opener, then completed his lone attempt and ran for 15 yards on five carries in a 35-24 win over Oregon State on Sept. 12.

Pete Nakos of On3.com reported prior to kickoff on Friday that McGuire had planned to get Castellanos on the field "a bit more" than he did in the previous two weeks.

The results for Castellanos were not particularly encouraging. His first play from scrimmage was an interception by Houston cornerback Will James. His second drive was a three-and-out.

Houston took a 10-0 lead after its first two offensive possessions. Hammond took over on Texas Tech's first drive of the second quarter and led a 75-yard touchdown drive.

Hammond put the Red Raiders in position for a second touchdown late in the first half, but Castellanos finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown run.

Texas Tech's two touchdown drives in the second half were with Hammond running the offense.

Castellanos does offer a change of pace for McGuire's offense. He ran for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore at Boston College in 2023, then racked up 557 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground with Florida State last season.

If the Red Raiders can find the right balance with the two-quarterback system, they should take advantage of it to keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Friday's game was a good test against a quality conference opponent. Based on the current AP Top 25 poll, Houston is the only ranked opponent on Texas Tech's schedule.

Things are set up now for the Red Raiders to run the table and get back to the College Football Playoff.