Behren Morton may not be the most talked-about quarterback in the Big 12, but make no mistake—he might be the one opponents fear the most without even realizing it. Quietly and consistently, Morton has carved out a reputation for himself as one of the conference’s most effective signal-callers, and yet, national recognition still seems just out of reach. As Texas Tech continues to build momentum, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Behren Morton may be the most underrated quarterback in the Big 12, and that title may not last much longer.
Coming into Texas Tech, Morton was already on the radar for fans of Texas high school football. A four-star recruit out of Eastland High School, he brought with him not only impressive numbers but also a poise and maturity rarely seen in a high school quarterback. While other names in the Big 12 drew immediate national attention—be it through five-star ratings or explosive freshman years—Morton quietly got to work. He waited, he studied, he developed. And now, that patience is paying off in spades.
In 2024, Morton became Texas Tech’s first 3,000-yard passer in several years, a milestone that speaks volumes not only about his talent but also about his command of the offense. This wasn’t the result of a fluke season or a weak schedule. Morton earned every yard with precision passing, clutch decision-making, and an ability to lead his team down the field in high-pressure situations. Time and again, he showed a knack for reading defenses pre-snap, adjusting protections, and delivering the ball with impeccable timing.
Still, despite these accomplishments, Morton’s name remains strangely absent from most national quarterback rankings. While the Big 12 media spotlight has tended to focus on bigger programs or more high-profile transfers, Morton has done nothing but produce and win. His ability to avoid turnovers, extend plays with his legs, and consistently find open receivers makes him one of the most complete quarterbacks in the conference. And yet, he continues to fly under the radar.
One reason for this may be that Texas Tech, as a program, hasn’t always commanded the national spotlight in recent years. With programs like Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 and teams like Kansas State and TCU making unexpected runs, the media narrative has often overlooked Lubbock. But Morton is beginning to change that. His consistent performances are helping to redefine the Red Raiders’ identity—from a middle-of-the-pack offense to a legitimate conference contender.
Part of Morton’s success comes from his football IQ. He’s not just playing quarterback—he’s orchestrating an offense. From adjusting play calls at the line of scrimmage to manipulating safeties with his eyes, Morton plays the position with a veteran’s instinct. His footwork in the pocket is clean, his mechanics are sharp, and his arm strength allows him to make every throw required in a modern spread offense. But it’s the little things—anticipating blitzes, throwing receivers open, recognizing coverage disguises—that elevate him above many of his peers.
His leadership has also been a defining trait. Teammates rave about his work ethic and commitment to the team. Whether it’s staying late to watch film, organizing offseason workouts, or mentoring younger players, Morton leads by example. That kind of leadership resonates in a locker room and is often the difference between a good quarterback and a great one.
Even more impressive is how Morton has handled adversity. Injuries, offensive line shuffling, and tough matchups haven’t derailed his development. If anything, those challenges have helped mold him into a more resilient and determined player. He doesn’t flinch in the face of pressure. If the defense collapses the pocket, Morton has shown the poise to step up and deliver. If receivers are blanketed, he doesn’t panic—he checks down or makes something happen with his legs.
The statistical profile is equally compelling. Beyond the 3,000-yard milestone, Morton boasts an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio and one of the highest completion percentages in the conference. His passer rating is consistently near the top of the Big 12, and he’s done it against some of the toughest defenses the conference has to offer. These aren’t just empty numbers; they’ve come in meaningful moments—late-game drives, red zone situations, and critical third downs.
If there’s one moment that encapsulated Morton’s rise, it may have come in a crucial mid-season matchup when the Red Raiders were facing a top-ranked conference opponent. Trailing late in the fourth quarter, Morton led a methodical drive that showcased everything he brings to the table—accurate throws under pressure, smart time management, and complete control of the offense. The drive ended in a touchdown that sealed the win and sent a clear message to the rest of the conference: Behren Morton isn’t just good—he’s special.
Despite all of this, the national attention remains curiously muted. Analysts and fans continue to gush over quarterbacks at bigger-brand schools or players with more media-friendly backstories. But the true football minds are starting to take notice. Coaches game-planning against Texas Tech speak with increasing respect for Morton. Scouts are quietly moving him up their boards. And opposing defenders know full well that stopping Morton is the key to stopping the Red Raiders.
That under-the-radar status may not last much longer. As the 2025 season approaches, Morton is poised to take another leap forward. With a more experienced supporting cast, a solid offensive line, and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, the stage is set for Morton to go from underrated to undeniable. If he continues on this trajectory, postseason awards and NFL draft buzz won’t be far behind.
And perhaps that’s the most remarkable thing about Behren Morton’s story. In an era where so many quarterbacks are hyped from the moment they step on campus, Morton has taken a different path. He’s earned every snap, every accolade, and every yard through hard work, discipline, and quiet confidence. He hasn’t needed flashy headlines or viral highlights to prove his worth—his game speaks for itself.
In many ways, Morton is exactly the kind of quarterback coaches dream of. He’s coachable but confident, talented but humble, and fiercely competitive without being reckless. That combination has made him one of the Big 12’s best-kept secrets. But with each passing game, that secret becomes harder and harder to keep.
As the spotlight begins to shift and the college football world turns its attention toward the new faces of the Big 12, it would be wise to remember the name Behren Morton. Because while others may grab the headlines, it’s Morton who’s quietly shaping the future of Texas Tech—and maybe the entire conference. Whether or not he’s the most underrated quarterback in the Big 12 may soon become a moot point. If the trend continues, Morton won’t be underrated—he’ll be undeniable.
