A Texas court has temporarily lifted the NCAA’s ban on quarterback Brendan Sorsby, allowing the Texas Tech signal‑caller in Lubbock to take the field for the 2026 season. The injunction comes after the NCAA ruled Sorsby ineligible for past gambling activity, including wagers placed while he was at Indiana University.
Judge Ken Curry, a retired jurist from Tarrant County and a graduate of a Houston law school, issued the injunction, stating that Sorsby would suffer a likely, imminent and irreparable injury if prevented from playing. The order permits practice and participation on Tech’s roster while the case proceeds.
Legal Strategy and Representation
Sorsby’s legal team, led by Jeffrey Kessler, framed the dispute as a breach of contract, a violation of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and a breach of fiduciary duty. They argued that the NCAA’s ruling oversteps its authority and that the athlete’s right to compete is being unlawfully curtailed.
The NCAA, represented by Taylor Askey, has publicly rejected the ruling, issuing a statement that the decision undermines the integrity of college sports and promising to pursue further legal action. The organization maintains that the injunction sets a dangerous precedent for future eligibility disputes.
The injunction also mandates that Sorsby undergo regular gambling counseling, attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings, and submit monthly compliance reports to the NCAA. These requirements reflect the court’s effort to address the underlying behavioral concerns while allowing the player to remain eligible.
The case adds a new chapter to the ongoing debate over athlete compensation, gambling regulations and the reach of collegiate sports governing bodies. It highlights the tension between protecting the integrity of amateur athletics and safeguarding the rights of student‑athletes to compete.