Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Out After NCAA Betting Scandal, Enters NFL Supplemental Draft

Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets on college and professional sports, including wagers on his own Indiana University team. After a Texas court briefly restored his eligibility, a wave of institutional backlash and legal challenges forced him to withdraw his lawsuit and pursue the NFL.

Background and Gambling Activity

Brendan Sorsby, 22, began his college football career at Indiana University in 2022. He transferred to the University of Cincinnati for two seasons before joining Texas Tech in January 2026.

According to court documents and NCAA filings, Sorsby placed over 9,000 bets totaling at least $90,000 during his college career. The gambling activity included:

• At least 40 bets on Indiana University football games totaling at least $850 while he was a member of the team (September to October 2022)
• At least 40 bets on Indiana men's basketball totaling over $1,400
• Over 300 bets on other college football games while at Indiana
• Over 500 impermissible bets at the University of Cincinnati, totaling at least $38,000, including one wager of $3,500 on Cincinnati men's basketball
• Bets on professional sports via online platforms

Sorsby used accounts under his own name and those of friends and family members. He transferred at least $60,000 to two friends to fund wagers. The NCAA reported that Sorsby wagered on Indiana football to win and did not play in any of the games he bet on. Sorsby stated he never bet on a game in which he played and never attempted to manipulate game outcomes.

Treatment and Personal Statements

"I am grateful for the support from my family, my Tech coaching staff, teammates, the community, and so many others who have encouraged me to address and learn more about this important issue." — Brendan Sorsby

In late April 2026, Sorsby announced he was taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Texas Tech football program to enter a residential treatment program for a diagnosed gambling addiction and anxiety disorder. He completed the program and returned to campus, stating he accepted responsibility for his behavior and was committed to ongoing treatment. Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire and the university expressed support for his decision to seek help.

NCAA Ruling and Legal Challenge

The NCAA deemed Sorsby permanently ineligible for violating its gambling rules, which prohibit betting on one's own team and using proxies to place bets. Under NCAA guidelines updated in 2023, betting on games involving one's own school can result in permanent loss of eligibility.

Sorsby filed a lawsuit in Lubbock County, Texas, seeking a temporary injunction to restore his eligibility for the 2026 season. He argued that the NCAA's ruling was disproportionate and that the organization had failed to properly consider his gambling addiction.

Court Injunction and Conditions

On June 8, 2026, Judge Ken Curry of the 99th District Court in Lubbock County granted a temporary injunction restoring Sorsby's eligibility. The ruling stated that Sorsby would suffer "a probable, imminent and irreparable injury" if he could not play. The injunction included conditions:

• Sorsby would miss the first two games of the 2026 season (September 5 against Abilene Christian and September 12 at Oregon State)
• He must continue counseling for gambling issues
• He must participate in a peer support program (e.g., Gamblers Anonymous)
• He must file monthly compliance reports to the NCAA

Judge Curry's four-page ruling contained minimal legal analysis beyond checking the factors required for a temporary injunction.

Institutional Reactions and Potential Boycotts

"Bullshit." — Kansas State Athletic Director Gene Taylor, on the court ruling

The court ruling prompted significant backlash from other athletic programs and conferences:

• Kansas State Athletic Director Gene Taylor called the ruling "bullshit" and confirmed discussions about refusing to play Texas Tech
• Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks sent a memo pledging not to schedule Texas Tech in any sport
• Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen stated Nebraska would not schedule Texas Tech in any sport
• The Big Ten considered but ultimately rejected a conference-wide ban on scheduling Texas Tech
• Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark expressed concern about the ruling's impact on college athletics

Legal Challenges to the Injunction

The NCAA filed an appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Seventh District of Texas, seeking an emergency stay of the injunction. All four justices on that court are graduates of the Texas Tech School of Law.

The Big 12 filed a separate lawsuit in federal court in Dallas, asserting its right to sanction Texas Tech if it allowed Sorsby to play. The conference argued that "an athlete with an extensive, documented history of wagering on intercollegiate athletic contests — especially his own team's games — presents a reputational and integrity risk."

Texas Tech threatened legal action against the Big 12 and any schools that refused to schedule the Red Raiders.

Sorsby's Departure and NFL Application

On June 15, 2026, Texas Tech University informed Sorsby that it would not permit him to play for the football team. The university stated the decision was "purely an output of practical analysis" given the ongoing legal disputes and the June 22 deadline to apply for the NFL Supplemental Draft.

"This decision was made with Brendan and his family and is purely an output of practical analysis of the situation... This is the only viable and fair path for Brendan and his future, as well as for his teammates, and our university." — Cody Campbell, Chairman, Texas Tech Board of Regents

Sorsby voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit against the NCAA and announced his intention to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft. Texas Tech officials stated the university would not seek reimbursement of NIL payments made to Sorsby and would continue to provide support and recovery resources.

Statements from Parties Involved

Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec and Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt (joint statement): "When Brendan's lawsuit resulted in the granting of a temporary injunction, we found ourselves in a difficult situation. With his health and wellness as our top priority, we supported him in spite of very different perspectives and opinions."

NCAA President Charlie Baker called the court ruling a "new low" and stated the NCAA would continue to seek federal antitrust protections from Congress.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said the conference looks forward to moving ahead and wished Sorsby success.

NFL Prospects

Sorsby scheduled a Pro Day for July 10, 2026, at Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas. NFL rules state that no player has been selected in the supplemental draft since 2019; the last quarterback taken was Terrelle Pryor in 2011 (third round).

University of Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield stated that scouts and general managers have inquired about Sorsby, citing his talent, size, and athleticism. New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn declined to comment on the team's interest, stating his focus was on current quarterbacks. Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken stated he was not in favor of adding Sorsby, calling the situation a "slippery slope."

Key questions remain:

• Whether the NFL will approve Sorsby's application
• Whether he will face a suspension for violating gambling laws and NCAA rules
• Whether teams will avoid him due to his gambling addiction diagnosis

Impact on Texas Tech

Without Sorsby, Texas Tech will rely on quarterback Will Hammond, who is recovering from an ACL injury and expected to be ready early in the season. Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis is the backup.