The 2024 college football season presents an entirely new landscape. Texas is in the SEC. SMU is back in a power conference as ACC members. The College Football Playoff now includes 12 teams and an automatic bid for the best G5 team in the land. For most, the start of the season is in Week 1 on August 30, though SMU starts in Week 0 and TCU plays its first game on Aug. 29. 

To celebrate us making it through another off-season, we’re counting down the 50 most important players in Texas as we inch closer to kickoffs. This list isn’t necessarily about which players are the best in terms of NFL draft stock. It ranks players in order of importance to their team's success. 

NO. 29: Texas Tech QB Behren Morton

The history: Morton was the highest-rated quarterback signed by Texas Tech in the 247Sports/Rivals era in 2021. He redshirted his first fall and spent the ensuing two competing with Tyler Shough for the starting job. While he never won it outright, injuries gave him an opportunity. The problem is injuries have also hampered his opportunities up to this point. A high ankle sprain prematurely ended his 2022 debut, while a AC-joint sprain in 2023 forced him out of practice in September and October. While Morton went 6–2 as a starter, his deep ball and scrambling ability were limited by the shoulder. He averaged 29 passes per game last season, compared to 47 in 2022.

Texas Tech shut Morton down for the back half of spring ball so he could rehab, and Morton said at Big 12 Media Days that he's 100 percent healthy.

The skillset: Texas Tech's Independence bowl rout of California was Morton at his best (and healthiest). He completed 27-of-43 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns, providing Red Raiders fans a glimpse of what he's capable of when not playing on a hurt shoulder. Morton has all the tools to be an upper echelon quarterback in the Big 12. But the best ability is availability. Morton's toughness is admirable, but he must stay healthy to unlock his full potential. 

The impact: Morton has operated thus far as the prince that was promised, but the 2024 season is his first on the throne. Texas Tech's supplied him with a lucrative arsenal. Running back Tahj Brooks is back after compiling 1,500 yards, and the wide receiver room was upgraded with Washington State transfer Josh Kelly, Florida's Caleb Douglas and five-star freshman Micah Hudson.

While he didn't suit up for the last half of spring ball, Morton made strides in his vocal leadership, backed by the QB1 vote of confidence Joey McGuire gave him.

Texas Tech's offensive line will determine whether or not Morton is available to distribute to these weapons. The Red Raiders have Portaled 3/5ths of the unit in an effort to play a season where they don't have to rotate through three different quarterbacks. If he stays upright, Morton can lead Texas Tech to its best season in the McGuire era.