As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton finds himself in the spotlight not just for his skills, but for the inevitable comparisons to NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. The two share more than just the same alma mater, as Morton’s career path has drawn many parallels to Mahomes—both were standout quarterbacks for the Red Raiders, both have the same agent, and both train under the renowned quarterback coach Bobby Stroupe. Yet, as Morton prepares for his professional debut, he’s focused on building his own path to the NFL while quietly acknowledging the connections to Mahomes.
Leaning Into the Comparisons
Though Morton is aware of the Mahomes comparisons, he’s careful not to let that narrative define him. “I’ve been told [that I resemble Patrick Mahomes] once or twice,” Morton said in a recent interview with The Insiders. “I’m actually up here in Kansas City training with Bobby Stroupe. It’s been awesome. Working with Justin Hoover, my quarterback guy. We’ve had about six NFL guys come back. It’s really cool to see the guys who’ve been through the process this last year.”
While the comparisons are inevitable—both quarterbacks played at Texas Tech and both share a similar style in the pocket—Morton is determined to forge his own identity in the league. His training approach, however, mirrors Mahomes’ path to the pros, with a keen focus on mechanics, timing, and quarterback development, all of which Mahomes credits for his success.
Training with the Best: Kansas City and Beyond
Morton has spent much of his pre-draft preparation in Kansas City, working closely with Stroupe, who has helped mold Mahomes into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Though Morton isn’t directly working with Mahomes, who is rehabbing from an ACL injury suffered late in the 2025 season, he’s still getting valuable insights by training in the same environment that helped shape the Chiefs’ two-time MVP.
“I’ve been taken really good care of and really enjoying my time here in Kansas,” Morton said. His experience in Kansas City has been positive, especially with Stroupe and his team of NFL-caliber quarterbacks providing mentorship and support during the offseason workouts.
The decision to train in Kansas City was strategic, especially considering Stroupe’s reputation for developing NFL talent. Morton’s decision to train with Stroupe is one that echoes Mahomes’ own rise, and it shows the commitment Morton has to developing his game in a professional environment. Stroupe’s track record with quarterbacks, especially Mahomes, speaks for itself, and Morton hopes that his training under Stroupe will give him the tools to succeed at the next level.
A Connection to Mahomes’ Inner Circle
“Once NIL took off and it was time to get an agent in college football, I had a good guy reach out to me and say he’s got a great rep,” Morton said. “I got in contact with Chris back in 2023, so we’ve been together for a couple of years now. We knew going into this process that I’d be going up to Kansas City.”
This relationship has added an extra layer of significance to Morton’s connection with the Chiefs’ franchise, as his training with Stroupe in Kansas City and his ties to Mahomes’ inner circle suggest a future where Morton could follow in Mahomes’ footsteps in the NFL. However, Morton’s journey is still his own, and he’s determined to make his mark, regardless of the comparisons.
Building His NFL Draft Path
As the draft approaches, Morton is projected to be a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent. His college career at Texas Tech was productive, with Morton racking up 6,115 passing yards, 49 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions over his final two seasons. However, his 2025 season was a bit of a setback, as Morton played through a stress fracture in his leg, which affected his performance. Despite this, he’s still seen as a promising talent, with potential to develop further at the NFL level.
Many scouts are impressed by Morton’s mechanics, arm strength, and ability to read defenses, which are key traits that could translate to success in the pros. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his college career and, with the right development, could become a valuable asset for whichever team selects him in the upcoming draft.
Embracing the Legacy While Carving His Own Path
Although Morton acknowledges the comparisons to Mahomes, he’s clear that he’s focused on carving out his own legacy. The path that Mahomes took to the NFL is certainly one that many young quarterbacks admire, but Morton is determined to define his own journey. He is using Mahomes’ success as motivation, but he is also conscious of the need to establish his own identity in the league.
“Everyone knows the comparisons will be there,” Morton said. “But at the end of the day, I’m just focused on being the best version of myself and doing what I can to help the team that drafts me. I’ve had a great time training in Kansas City and learning from some of the best, but I’m ready to show what I can do on the field and build my own career.”
With the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching, all eyes will be on Morton as he tries to make a name for himself in a league that’s already seen him compared to one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. If he can harness the lessons learned from his time in Kansas City, along with his own hard work and determination, Morton could very well carve his own path in the NFL—one that stands on its own merits, separate from the Mahomes comparisons.
