The saga surrounding Brendan Sorsby has taken every imaginable twist and turn this offseason. But for now, his path for the near future seems decided. In a statement from Sorsby, via Tom Pelissero on X, the quarterback confirms he won’t pursue any legal action or a chance to play in 2026, choosing to prepare for the 2027 draft instead.
A statement from Brendan Sorsby, who won’t pursue further legal action or opportunities to play this season, focusing instead on his recovery and preparations for the 2027 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/6o90aqhu7P
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2026
Sorsby mentions that he takes “100% responsibility” for his actions and expresses appreciation for the opportunity to receive the help he needs as he focuses on his recovery.
A gambling scandal involving Sorsby came to light this offseason, putting his eligibility for the 2026 season in question. He was eventually ruled ineligible, but Sorsby requested an injunction, to which a Texas judge ruled he could play for Texas Tech in 2026 after serving a two-game suspension. That caused quite an uproar across the College Football landscape, and shortly after, Sorsby decided to apply for the supplemental draft rather than play at the collegiate level in 2026.
A bid that was denied by the NFL, who in a statement to Sorbsy, advised him to prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft instead. There was some speculation about whether he might try to play in another league, such as the UFL or CFL. But Sorsby’s focus seems to be set on the 2027 draft instead, per his statement today.
According to Pelissero, Sorsby won’t face any additional discipline from the league and has resolved the supplemental draft situation with the NFLPA.
The NFL, NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby have reached a settlement, resolving any claims stemming from the league’s decision not to hold a supplemental draft and making Sorsby eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, with no additional discipline for any prior conduct. pic.twitter.com/7dH6ZzYKyx
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2026
It’s certainly an unfamiliar situation for a talented prospect like Sorsby to enter the draft without playing the year prior. But as Pelissero notes in another tweet, the pre-draft situation will run the same for him as it would for any other prospect regarding non-league events.
Under the settlement between the NFL, NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby, sources say he will be allowed to participate in the pre-draft process for all non-league events, including the Senior Bowl, pro day and team visits leading up to the 2027 NFL Draft. https://t.co/prkUcKZQQ1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2026
Having a Pro Day will give him the chance to impress scouts up close, and team visits will be vital, as he’ll be able to explain to teams where he is in his recovery. But on the field, Sorsby won’t see any action this season.
Before the scandal, Brendan Sorsby was expected by most to be one of the first quarterbacks selected next year. Obviously, his off-field issues have put that in jeopardy. But the talent is still there, and if Sorsby can impress teams enough next draft cycle, he may still come off the board early. He won’t play in 2026, though, choosing to prepare for next year’s draft instead.