Published on: June 8, 2026, at 11:07 AM.

Updated on: June 8, 2026, at 11:07 AM.

• U.S. District Court judge issues temporary injunction against NCAA in Sorsby case.
• Ruling reinstates college eligibility, allowing the quarterback to play in the 2026 college football season following probe into a gambling addiction.
• Court documents reveal Sorsby acknowledged placing thousands in sports bets, including wagers on the Indiana Hoosiers during his tenure as a backup QB from 2022 to 2023.

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A U.S. District Court judge has issued a temporary injunction against the NCAA, paving the way for quarterback Brendan Sorsby to continue his college football career amidst gambling allegations.

Sorsby Granted Permission to Play

Sorsby is now eligible to join the Texas Tech Red Raiders for the 2026 season.

As reported by ESPN, Judge Ken Curry stated that the NCAA must not hinder Sorsby’s ability to “practice, play, or otherwise engage with the Texas Tech football team for the 2026 season.”

The judge determined that Sorsby demonstrated he would face “irreparable” harm without the temporary injunction.

NCAA Challenges the Ruling

The NCAA expressed its disagreement with the ruling via a statement on X following the judge’s decision:

“The NCAA strongly opposes the court’s decision in Sorsby’s case and is greatly concerned about the adverse, extensive, and destabilizing effects of this ruling – which threatens the integrity of sports. The NCAA is dedicated to supporting student-athlete mental health but must continue to defend against any actions that defraud college athletics and jeopardize competitive integrity, including betting on one’s own sport.”

Documents submitted to the court over recent weeks outlined the extent of Sorsby’s gambling issues. Sorsby, alongside his legal team, filed for the injunction in Lubbock County District Court to resume training with Texas Tech for the upcoming fall season. The NCAA had deemed him ineligible, rejecting his request for reinstatement.

Substantial Betting Activity

ESPN reported on May 30 that the NCAA confirmed in a legal brief that Sorsby’s football career was considered over.

NCAA regulations prohibit student-athletes from betting on any sanctioned sport, whether collegiate or professional, with serious penalties, including permanent loss of eligibility for betting on their own team or on different sports at their institution.

The NCAA warned in court filings that approving Sorsby’s injunction would cause widespread instability, effectively endorsing sports gambling while leaving student-athletes vulnerable, since they could pursue legal recourse against eligibility losses.

Texas Tech’s Support

Sorsby’s attorney indicated that his gambling issues stemmed from a mental health condition, specifically an anxiety disorder, arguing that the NCAA has a responsibility to assist individuals rather than penalize them.

“As college athletes face the swift spread of legalized sports betting, gambling addiction is escalating to epidemic levels among college-aged men,” stated Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec, responding to the NCAA’s position as reported by CBS Sports.

“The NCAA’s mission emphasizes ‘fostering the lifelong well-being of student-athletes,’ claiming to promote a culture of care for their mental health. Gambling addiction is recognized as a behavioral disorder by the clinical community.”

Rehabilitation Program for Gambling Addiction

Details regarding the extent of Sorsby’s betting activities emerged in court documents.

Reportedly, Sorsby wagered around $90,000 during his time at Indiana, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech, according to documents reviewed by ESPN. His betting occurred across various sportsbooks, using accounts under his name, family members, and friends. He frequently transferred large sums to associates to place bets on his behalf.

While at Indiana, as a backup quarterback, he placed bets on Hoosiers games, although not on matches in which he participated or had the potential to play, as indicated in the documents.

Sorsby has recently completed a 35-day inpatient rehabilitation program for gambling in hopes of reviving his NCAA career.

A Promising Quarterback

Texas Tech had significant expectations for Sorsby this season. He was not merely another transfer; he emerged as a highly sought-after quarterback in the offseason transfer portal, marking one of the high-value acquisitions in the NIL era.

His performance last season with Cincinnati confirms that standing—accumulating around 2,800 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. His mobility is also a threat, with over 1,300 rushing yards in his college career, Classifying him as a dual-threat quarterback.

Reports suggest Sorsby was contracted for $5 million to lead the Texas Tech team this year, with ambitions for a national championship run.

Texas Tech has publicly supported Sorsby in his pursuit of a court injunction.

Previous NCAA memberships rejected a proposal last November to revise the rules permitting student-athletes to gamble on professional sports.