Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech's quarterback, filed a lawsuit Monday requesting an injunction to allow him to play in the 2026 college football season despite being declared ineligible by the NCAA amid a gambling investigation [1, 2, 3].

Sorsby is barred from playing due to alleged violations of NCAA sports gambling rules. He admitted placing small bets, typically $5 to $50, on his own former team Indiana University's games, aiming to support them rather than manipulate outcomes [2, 3]. His legal filing argues he never used insider information or manipulated any games and that the NCAA has treated his clinically diagnosed gambling addiction as a punitive weapon rather than a health condition [2].

The NCAA opened its investigation after it was revealed Sorsby placed nearly 10,000 bets on various sports over the years, including during his time at Indiana [1, 4, 2]. Sorsby has since taken an indefinite hiatus from Texas Tech starting in April to enter treatment for the gambling addiction [1]. Texas Tech was informed of the investigation last month [2].

Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech from Cincinnati, where he threw for 2,800 yards with 27 touchdowns and 5 interceptions last season [1]. He is represented by attorney Jeffrey Kessler, known for winning House v. NCAA [1].

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said, "We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help. Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health." [1]

Sorsby's legal team wants the NCAA to issue an eligibility ruling by June 15, 2026 [1, 4]. The quarterback also faces a June 22 deadline to declare for the NFL supplemental draft, which is rarely used and requires teams to forfeit future draft picks [4]. Some NFL evaluators consider Sorsby a possible second-round talent but remain wary due to the ongoing gambling probe [4].

Should the injunction be denied, Texas Tech's backup Will Hammond is projected to be cleared for full football activities by August 21 and could start in the season's third week [1].

Indiana and Cincinnati have educational programs addressing gambling risks and NCAA rules for players [3].

Sorsby's immediate next step hinges on the NCAA's decision sought by June 15, with his injunction lawsuit pending in the meantime [1, 4].