A Controversial Reinstatement
Brendan Sorsby, a 6‑foot‑3 quarterback from Texas Tech, entered the 2026 draft conversation as a potential first‑round talent after a standout college career. Scouts praised his arm strength and poise, projecting him as a possible early pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
However, Sorsby's rise has been overshadowed by a scandal involving sports wagering. The quarterback admitted to betting roughly $90,000 on college and professional games, including at least 40 wagers on Indiana football that totaled about $800 while he was a scout‑team player for the Hoosiers.
From Ban to Injunction
The NCAA imposed a permanent ban on Sorsby for violating its gambling policy, a sanction that would have barred him from any collegiate competition. In a surprising turn, a court granted a temporary injunction that allows him to play this season while the governing body's appeal is pending.
The Big 12 Conference has responded by filing a lawsuit aimed at preventing Sorsby from taking the field, arguing that his participation undermines the integrity of the league. The conference's legal move adds another layer of complexity to a case that could set a precedent for athlete conduct and eligibility rules.
If the injunction stands and Sorsby ultimately plays, he would become the first known athlete in a major sport to publicly acknowledge betting on his own team and still be permitted to compete. The outcome will be closely watched by the NFL, NCAA and other governing bodies as they grapple with the intersection of gambling, athlete eligibility and legal precedent.