Texas Tech’s starting quarterback Brendan Sorsby has secured legal representation from high-profile attorney Jeffrey Kessler as he navigates an NCAA investigation into alleged sports gambling violations, according to ESPN reports released Saturday.
The quarterback, who joined the Red Raiders from Cincinnati during the recent transfer period, announced earlier this week that he would be entering a treatment program to address gambling addiction issues and stepping away from team activities for an indefinite period.
Kessler brings significant experience in college athletics litigation, having served as the primary legal counsel in the landmark House vs. NCAA lawsuit. That case, which received approval in June 2025, established the framework for revenue sharing between schools and student-athletes, allowing institutions to distribute $20.5 million annually to players starting this past July, with yearly increases built into the agreement.
The attorney has also built a reputation representing professional athletes, including his work with the NFL Players Association in cases involving high-profile players like Tom Brady, Ezekiel Elliott, Adrian Peterson, and Ray Rice.
Current NCAA regulations strictly prohibit student-athletes from placing wagers on any sporting events – whether college or professional – for which the organization conducts championship competitions. Reports indicate Sorsby placed bets on both college football contests and Major League Baseball games.
The ongoing NCAA investigation could result in Sorsby losing his eligibility for the 2026 season, depending on the findings.
According to reporting from On3, Sorsby’s betting activity was extensive, with more than 10,000 sports wagers placed since 2022. The outlet reported he was making an average of 20 bets daily across various sportsbook platforms in multiple states.
The gambling activity reportedly included wagers on Indiana University games during 2022 when Sorsby was redshirting his freshman season. ESPN’s reporting indicates all those bets favored Indiana to win, and none were placed on the single game in which he appeared – a 45-14 defeat against 16th-ranked Penn State.
Sorsby entered this season as ESPN’s highest-rated transfer quarterback, bringing impressive credentials from his time with Cincinnati. Over his final two seasons with the Bearcats, he compiled 5,613 passing yards with 45 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions across 24 games, while also contributing 1,027 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns.
