Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been declared ineligible for the 2026 season. This follows an NCAA investigation that started in April when Sorsby entered a treatment program for gambling addiction.
In an official statement, Texas Tech said, “We are committed to supporting Sorsby’s health and well-being and will begin the reinstatement process promptly.”
Sorsby, who transferred from Cincinnati, was a significant acquisition for Texas Tech, costing around $5 million. He has the option to appeal for reinstatement or leave college football for the NFL supplemental draft this June. While at Cincinnati, Sorsby reportedly placed wagers on games, including those involving Indiana, during his redshirt season in 2022.
His legal filing against the NCAA claims the organization is using his situation to maintain a facade of fairness while profiting from the betting industry. NCAA rules discourage athletes from gambling on sports, and reportedly, Sorsby placed over 10,000 bets and averaged 20 bets a day at one point.
The NCAA penalizes athletes who wager significant sums. Bets exceeding $800 could lead to a loss of eligibility, while larger amounts might result in permanent ineligibility. Sources indicate that Texas Tech was informed of the NCAA’s inquiry in April, but it remains unclear who reported Sorsby’s activities.
Interestingly, athletes are permitted to bet on certain sports like UFC, horse racing, and NASCAR, while other popular sports remain off-limits. Sorsby’s gambling patterns show a mix of interest in both college football and professional leagues.
With Sorsby’s future uncertain, attention turns to Will Hammond, who is recovering from an ACL injury. He was poised to be a key backup last season but missed the spring due to his recovery process. Reports suggest that Hammond is now back to throwing but may not be fully ready for the season opener.
The initial plan indicated that Hammond might miss the first two games, with Kirk Francis, a transfer from Tulsa, serving as a temporary starter. Francis has extensive experience, having thrown for over 3,000 yards in his collegiate career.
As Texas Tech navigates this situation, the focus will remain on Sorsby’s health and the next steps for the team, balancing player support and competitive integrity.
For more details and insights, you can refer to the NCAA’s official rules here or follow updates from reliable sources like USA Today.
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Brendan Sorsby (22 – Lake Dallas)
