Brendan Sorsby could find himself at a crossroads once he completes his time in rehab related to his gambling addiction.
There are currently several levels to this case, the most important being his eligibility at Texas Tech for the upcoming 2026 season and the NCAA is currently investigating whether he placed bets on the outcome of games while he was on Indiana’s roster in 2022.
Although he ended up wearing a red shirt, he saw action in one game. His time on Indiana’s roster has generated the most intrigue among those inside the NCAA compliance office. In addition to the fact that he also allegedly bet on professional sports, including baseball and the UFC, we have seen a recent increase in betting cases involving college athletes.
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Brendan Sorsby of the Cincinnati Bearcats battles during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 29, 2025. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The main point of the NCAA’s investigation, in addition to his betting on professional sports, was how frequent his gambling was during his time in Indiana and Cincinnati.
In speaking with multiple sources about the ongoing investigation, which Texas Tech officials became aware of earlier this month, there is a strong belief that he would be declared ineligible for the upcoming season.
What if the NCAA proves you bet on your own team?
For Sorsby, he would have the opportunity to file a lawsuit seeking an injunction, hoping that a local Texas judge will overturn an NCAA ruling.
But, since the NCAA has a pretty firm stance on gambling and the rules are clearly laid out, getting a court order seems like a difficult path.
Obviously, this is different than an eligibility lawsuit we’ve seen filed in recent years, and one that the NCAA would fight hard to win.
In 2023, the NCAA introduced guidelines that punish athletes caught playing at their own school, or in other sports at their school, with a permanent loss of eligibility.
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Brendan Sorsby of the Cincinnati Bearcats laughs during warmups before their game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Nov. 1, 2025. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
But the investigation into Brendan Sorsby would likely need to include an interview with the quarterback, which can’t happen while he’s currently in a rehab facility.
Therefore, the NCAA would have to wait to question the Texas Tech quarterback, and he is not obligated to speak if his attorneys feel he would not win a future case outside of the courtroom.
Given that Texas Tech has committed a lot of money to Sorsby’s services, I find it hard to believe that they wouldn’t fight the NCAA if they declared him ineligible for next season.
According to sources, the Red Raiders were willing to pay him more than $6 million during his time in Lubbock.
Could Sorsby enter the NFL supplemental draft?
This would certainly be something his team would consider if the NCAA ruled him ineligible, especially if he lost in a Texas court if the quarterback decided to sue to remain on Texas Tech’s roster.
For the past two years, the NFL supplemental draft in July has been a bust. But, add in the current lack of options for athletes who might not be in the best spot at their particular college, or who are facing a loss of eligibility, and the draft could be an accepted landing spot.
In essence, there has been a case study.
In 2011, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was facing a five-game suspension from the NCAA for his role in the ‘tattoo gate’ that ended up costing head coach Jim Tressel his job.
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Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor is hugged by coach Jim Tressel and Ellen Tressel after the 2010 Rose Bowl against Oregon in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2010. (Kirby Lee/Image by Sport-USA TODAY Sports)
So instead of facing suspension from the NCAA, Pryor was able to enter the supplemental draft, but still had to serve his suspension at the NFL level after being selected by the Oakland Raiders.
Commissioner Roger Goodell was the one who issued the suspension, which Pryor did not appeal. In whatever situation Sorsby decides to try, it would be up to the NFL to agree to allow him to enter his name, which they could also decline.
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Obviously, this could be the route Brendan Sorsby decides to take, if things continue to trend toward him losing his right to play at Texas Tech.
We’ll find out soon, as the investigation into the quarterback continues.
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