Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby received a temporary injunction from Lubbock judge Ken Curry on August 24, allowing him to play in the 2026 season despite an NCAA ruling that declared him permanently ineligible for gambling violations [1, 2, 3]. The court order requires Sorsby to sit out the first two games of the season but permits him to return starting with the Big 12 opener against Houston on September 18 [1, 4, 5, 3].
Sorsby admitted placing thousands of bets over four years, including at least 40 bets on his own Indiana football team during his 2022 redshirt season [1, 2, 3]. NCAA rules state betting on your own team leads to a permanent ban from college athletics [1, 2, 3]. He wagered roughly $90,000 in total, transferring over $60,000 to others who placed bets on his behalf and making more than 2,900 bets at Indiana alone [3].
Judge Curry granted the injunction citing that Sorsby faces "probable, imminent and irreparable injury" if barred from play, notably jeopardizing his NFL Supplemental Draft prospects [1, 2, 3]. The judge said, "The Court finds that applicant has demonstrated that he will suffer a probable, imminent, and irreparable injury if this court does not issue the temporary injunction because he will be unable to participate as a member of Texas Tech University's 2026 football team" [3].
Texas Tech is publicly supporting Sorsby, focusing on addiction treatment and support programs. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt acknowledged the complexity, saying, "The situation is hard, it is new, and there is no perfect answer… We will continue to be transparent in our decision-making" [5, 6]. Coach Joey McGuire said, "We have a long time to continue to work with him to help him with this addiction… Our top priority is getting him back with his teammates" [7].
The NCAA expressed strong disagreement with the court ruling, warning it "undermines and corrupts the integrity of sports" [1]. Following Sorsby's reinstatement, the athletic departments of Georgia and Nebraska have boycotted future games against Texas Tech [4, 5]. The Big Ten is reportedly considering a conference-wide ban on scheduling Texas Tech, while the Big 12 is discussing possible sanctions against the school or player [4, 8].
However, the Texas Attorney General has warned the Big 12 that sanctioning Texas Tech over the case could violate antitrust laws and risk over $200 million in liability [8]. Golf megabooster Cody Campbell said opponents’ boycotts stem from resentment about Texas Tech’s recent success, calling the school a "disruptor" [9].
The full trial on Sorsby's broader legal challenge against the NCAA is scheduled for February 2027, after the 2026 college football season ends [7].
