Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby plans to apply to enter the NFL supplemental draft, ending a legal tug-of-war over his eligibility that threatened to spill into the college football season.
The decision ends a bizarre saga that began in April when Sorsby was declared ineligible by the NCAA in the wake of his admission he wagered at least $90,000 — including some bets on his own team when he was a freshman at Indiana.
Before Sorsby finally took a knee, Texas Tech’s decision to play the fifth-year senior set the stage for a showdown that, according to the Big 12’s court filing, could have led to sanctions that included a postseason ban or withholding of revenue distribution.
“When Brendan’s lawsuit resulted in the granting of a temporary injunction, we found ourselves in a difficult situation,” Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec and athletic director Kirby Hocutt said in a joint statement. ‘With his health and wellness as our top priority, we supported him in spite of very different perspectives and opinions. Our position was challenged by many but our support for him never changed. We will continue to extend all available resources that Brendan had as a student and athlete to ensure his transition is as successful as possible.’
Sorsby issued a separate statement late Monday: “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. As my journey continues, I remain fully committed to and focused on being the best I can be, both on and off the field.”
In April, Sorsby was declared ineligible by the NCAA after it was discovered he placed thousands of bets, including on college football, over four years while he was enrolled at Indiana, Cincinnati and Texas Tech. A Texas district court granted an injunction that would have made Sorsby eligible for the 2026 season.
That set off a firestorm, sparking calls to boycott games with Texas Tech and letters from at least three attorneys general urging the Big 12 to suspend the quarterback.
“The bottom line is that Texas Tech did absolutely nothing but act with complete integrity through this entire process,” Campbell said in the statement. “We broke no rules, no laws, and crossed no ethical lines.
Campbell said Sorsby and Texas Tech “stand on very solid and legitimate legal ground” but was faced with a June 22 deadline to enter the NFL supplemental draft and “no practical way to resolve” all pending legal disputes and ensure his eligibility prior to the date.
“This is the only viable and fair path for Brendan and his future, as well as for his teammates, and our university,” Campbell added.
Campbell said Texas Tech will not seek return of any payments already paid to Sorsby through his NIL agreements with the school. One of the top players in the transfer portal this offseason, Sorsby signed a one-year deal believed to be worth at least $4 million.
Had Sorsby played this season he would have been forced to miss two games — non-conference games against Abilene Christian and Oregon State — and been eligible to return for the Big 12 opener against Houston on Sept. 18.