The NCAA has rejected Texas Tech’s request to reinstate quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s playing eligibility, multiple news outlets reported Friday.
Sorsby became one of the most sought-after signal-callers in this year’s transfer portal after departing Cincinnati. On April 27, he enrolled in a treatment program to address a gambling addiction.
The NCAA declared him ineligible after he acknowledged placing wagers on college football and other sports. The organization’s rules forbid student-athletes from betting on any sport for which it sponsors competitions, whether at the professional or college level.
This appeal rejection operates independently from Sorsby’s legal challenge against the NCAA, which had its initial hearing Monday before Lubbock County (Texas) District Court Judge Ken Curry, who listened to arguments from lawyers representing both Sorsby and the NCAA.
Judge Curry has yet to announce his verdict in the matter, which could grant Sorsby a temporary court order allowing him to compete while litigation proceeds, or could support the NCAA’s eligibility ruling through the judicial system.
Sorsby’s legal representative, Jeffrey Kessler, asked for a decision by June 15. The quarterback faces a June 22 deadline to enter the NFL’s supplemental draft if he remains barred from college competition.
Following the NCAA’s initial rejection of Sorsby’s eligibility petition last month after he completed his rehabilitation program, various news sources reported that legal documents filed by Sorsby’s attorneys revealed he made no fewer than 40 wagers on the Indiana football program during his time with the Hoosiers in 2022 and ’23.
Overall, the court filings show that Sorsby placed approximately $90,000 in bets using multiple sportsbook accounts registered under friends’ and a family member’s names across a four-year span.
Sorsby, ranked as ESPN’s top transfer prospect in this year’s class, compiled 5,613 passing yards, 45 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions during his last two seasons at Cincinnati. He additionally rushed for 1,027 yards and 18 touchdowns across 24 contests.
In 2025, the Bearcats began 7-1 but dropped their final five contests.
Texas Tech captured its inaugural Big 12 championship last season and earned a College Football Playoff berth as the No. 4 seed, falling to No. 5 Oregon 23-0 in their quarterfinal contest.
