Revived and Relentless: Texas Tech’s Behren Morton Aims for Greatness in Final Season

Behren Morton has never been one to back down from adversity. Now, entering his senior season at Texas Tech, the Red Raiders’ veteran quarterback is healthy, locked in, and ready to etch his name among the program’s all-time greats. After battling through a nagging shoulder injury during the 2023 campaign, Morton is finally operating at full capacity — and his ambitions are sky-high.

With a career total of 6,381 passing yards already under his belt, Morton is chasing a historic milestone: 10,000 career passing yards. But that’s only part of the story. His eyes are set on something even bigger — delivering Texas Tech its first Big 12 Championship since the league’s inception in 1996.

Morton’s junior season didn’t go the way he had hoped. A shoulder injury suffered early in the year lingered and impacted his throwing motion and confidence. Despite that, he gutted out performances week after week, helping Texas Tech remain competitive in a tightly contested Big 12.

His toughness earned him respect throughout the locker room, but behind the scenes, Morton was frustrated. “You don’t ever want to let your teammates down, but there were games where I couldn’t even throw the way I wanted to,” he said. That sticks with you.

After the season, Morton committed to rest, rehab, and recovery. He worked closely with the team’s medical staff, strength coaches, and private specialists to rebuild his throwing strength and mobility. This spring, those efforts paid off.

Behren’s arm looks live again,” said offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. “He’s spinning the ball with zip and accuracy, and his command of the offense has gone to another level.”

If Morton can reach the 10,000-yard mark, he would join a rare class of Texas Tech quarterbacks. That list includes legends like Graham Harrell, Kliff Kingsbury, and Patrick Mahomes — players who lit up the Big 12 and left a lasting legacy in Lubbock.

He’ll need a huge season to hit the yardage goal — just over 3,600 passing yards — but with the offensive weapons surrounding him, that’s well within reach. Wide receivers Coy Eakin and Jerand Bradley return as trusted targets, and incoming transfers add even more depth and explosiveness.

Morton’s evolution as a leader might be his most important transformation heading into the 2025 season. Head coach Joey McGuire has praised Morton’s vocal presence and work ethic.

You can see it in the little moments: extra throwing sessions with freshmen, encouragement in the huddle, fierce competitiveness in team drills. For Morton, this year is about maximizing every opportunity — and leaving no regrets.

Off the field, Morton has also matured into a campus leader. He’s active in community outreach programs, speaks to local high school athletes, and mentors younger players in the Red Raider program.

Morton has also expressed interest in coaching one day, saying he wants to “stay connected to the game that’s given me so much.” But for now, his focus remains squarely on the present.

With Big 12 powerhouses like Kansas State, Utah, and Oklahoma State standing in the way, the road to a conference title won’t be easy. But Texas Tech believes it has the right man under center — a battle-tested senior with a big arm, bigger heart, and something to prove.