Published on: May 19, 2026, 02:30h.

Updated on: May 19, 2026, 02:30h.

• Texas Tech Quarterback Seeking College Eligibility for 2026 Season
• Sorsby Enrolled in Gambling Addiction Treatment Program
• NFL Supplemental Draft in July May Consider Him as a potential selection

Brendan Sorsby, the quarterback from Texas Tech, has initiated legal action against the NCAA in an effort to regain his college eligibility for the upcoming 2026 football season amidst an ongoing investigation related to gambling activities.

Minor Bets on Team

Sorsby is reported to have placed multiple wagers during his four years of collegiate sports betting, including minor bets on Indiana football while he was a redshirt freshman in 2022. He has entered a gambling addiction recovery program and asserts in his lawsuit that he never bet on games he participated in or had any reasonable chance of playing in, claiming all bets were made without compromising game integrity.

In his legal filing, Sorsby mentioned that his bets were primarily on Indiana games to win or for players to achieve higher performance metrics, intending to feel a stronger connection to the team and remain engaged in games he was not actively participating in.

Ongoing Investigation

The NCAA became aware of Sorsby’s gambling activities in April and is currently conducting an investigation, in conjunction with the respective gaming commissions in Indiana and Ohio.

According to NCAA regulations, student-athletes are barred from betting on both professional and college sports. Violations could lead to permanent disqualification from eligibility, especially if found to have wagered on their own team or other sports affiliated with their school—an issue Sorsby is now facing.

Risk of Permanent Disqualification

Currently, Texas Tech University has ruled him ineligible. Sorsby has enlisted the help of renowned attorney Jeffrey Kessler to either expedite the NCAA’s evaluation or contest it, stating in the lawsuit that the NCAA’s investigative pace has stalled. He also mentioned that being barred from team practices is detrimental to his mental well-being and hindering his growth as a quarterback, especially with aspirations for a professional NFL career.

Sorsby stands to potentially earn millions this upcoming season, highlighted as one of the most sought-after transfers in the sport.

He is part of a fresh wave of talented quarterbacks joining the Big 12, with at least ten of these teams expected to introduce new starting quarterbacks. Analysts projected him to play a key role in steering Texas Tech towards a playoff berth.

NCAA’s Response

Following a strong performance last year at Cincinnati, where he recorded over 2,800 passing yards and threw 27 touchdowns, which earned him a spot on the 2025 All-Big 12 Second Team, Sorsby transitioned to Texas Tech in December.

In a response to Sorsby’s legal action reported by Pete Thamel at ESPN, the NCAA remarked: “We have yet to receive a reinstatement request in this case. While the NCAA typically refrains from commenting on open reinstatement inquiries, the rules regarding sports betting are unequivocal, as are the conditions for reinstatement. Betting on one’s own team poses a risk to the integrity of the game and must be uniformly enforced.”

Potential in NFL Supplemental Draft

Another variable in this situation is the NFL Supplemental Draft scheduled for July. This draft is intended for players, potentially including Sorsby, whose collegiate eligibility or circumstances may have unexpectedly altered during the off-season yet still have a chance to be drafted and join the NFL. Ongoing NCAA investigations or suspensions, academic ineligibility, and transfer complications can affect this.

Noteworthy players like Bernie Kosar, Josh Gordon, and Terrell Pryor have successfully entered the NFL via the Supplemental Draft and made significant impacts.

Having already completed four seasons of collegiate football, Sorsby is currently ranked as the No. 5 quarterback for the 2027 NFL draft by Sports Illustrated, following Drew Mestemaker from Oklahoma State, LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina, Arch Manning from Texas, and Dante Moore from Oregon.