The Texas Tech Red Raiders are hoping to have quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s talents in 2026.
When they got him in the transfer portal in January, it was widely hailed as perhaps the greatest offseason victory in college football. Sorsby passed for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2025 for Cincinnati, as well as ran for 580 yards and nine scores.
He was a recruit who appeared to propel Texas Tech into the way-too-early College Football Playoff championship picture for 2026, but things quickly fell apart.
Sorsby sought inpatient treatment for a gambling problem. He reportedly made thousands of bets on various sports through smartphone applications. Notably, he had wagered on the Indiana Hoosiers while serving as a redshirt freshman quarterback, which eventually cost him his NCAA eligibility in 2026.
The quarterback recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in an attempt to reclaim his eligibility. Texas Tech is also advocating for his restoration.
Will Sorsby succeed in his lawsuit against the NCAA?
One nameless Big 12 coach believes there is no possibility.
“(Brendan Sorsby) will be unable to play regardless of what they say,” the coach told Athlon Sports recently. There’s no way, because once Pandora’s Box is opened, it’s all over. “
Brendan Sorsby is doubtful to regain his eligibility to play at Texas Tech.
It is worth noting that Sorsby attempted to persuade the NCAA to impose a two-game suspension for 2026 based on the completion of his residential treatment program. He also offered to be the spokesperson for gambling addiction prevention among student-athletes in an effort to assist others.
The NCAA has previously stated unambiguously that wagering on one’s own squad is an automatic disqualification, therefore the anonymous Big 12 coach is correct. Once that box has been opened, there is no turning back.
There’s no way the NCAA will back down against Sorsby, and it appears doubtful that a judge will side with him. This is especially true since the Texas Tech graduate judge who was assigned to the case recused himself.
All indications are that Sorsby will not be able to play for Texas Tech in 2026. In the meanwhile, he would like to have a choice made as soon as possible, since he may need to join the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft, for which documentation is due on June 22.
