“My Head and Heart Are With the Red Raiders”: Behren Morton Sends Brilliant Texas Message, Rejects Steelers and WVU Offers to Stay at Texas Tech
In an era where college football is increasingly shaped by NIL deals, transfer movement, and early NFL departures, one quarterback is breaking the trend — and breaking the internet while he’s at it.
Texas Tech star quarterback Behren Morton has reaffirmed his commitment to the Red Raiders, rejecting major offers from both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the West Virginia Mountaineers, saying simply:
“My head and heart are with the Red Raiders.”
Morton, widely viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12 and a future NFL prospect, had been the subject of mounting speculation over the past several weeks. Multiple insiders reported that the Steelers had shown serious interest in bringing Morton into their quarterback pipeline through an advanced development contract — a rare and lucrative path to the pros. At the same time, West Virginia reportedly offered a substantial NIL deal and promised Morton the keys to their offense via the transfer portal.
Instead, Morton chose loyalty over luxury.
“This is home, and this is where I want to win,” Morton said in a message posted across his social platforms. “Texas Tech gave me my shot when others didn’t. I believe in this program, I believe in Coach McGuire, and I believe our best days are still ahead.”
Morton’s decision is not just a personal one — it’s a major cultural statement for a Red Raiders program that has been steadily climbing under head coach Joey McGuire. Coming off a breakout season in which Morton threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, he helped lead Tech to a bowl win and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors.
“He’s the heart of this team, and this is a massive moment for our program,” McGuire said. “Behren had every opportunity to leave — and instead, he doubled down on his commitment. That’s leadership. That’s Texas Tech.”
The timing of Morton’s announcement is also critical. With Big 12 realignment on the horizon and national eyes turning toward underdog contenders, Texas Tech’s 2025 season just got a huge boost of credibility. Morton will return as the centerpiece of a high-powered offense, surrounded by a maturing roster and a coaching staff hungry to contend.
Fans have already dubbed the move “The Loyalty Statement,” flooding social media with posts praising Morton’s decision to stay true to his roots. The hashtag #Morton4TheRaiders began trending within hours of the announcement.
“He’s a Red Raider through and through,” said former Tech QB Graham Harrell. “That kind of decision resonates — with fans, with players, and with recruits.”
For Morton, it wasn’t a hard choice — it was the right one.
“I’m not chasing a bigger brand. I’m chasing legacy, and that legacy lives here in Lubbock.”
In a time when athletes are often on the move, Behren Morton just planted his flag — and with him at the helm, the future of Texas Tech football looks as bright as ever.