A Lubbock County judge has temporarily lifted the NCAA’s ban on Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, clearing the way for him to take the field in the 2026 season despite his ineligibility stemming from wagering on Indiana football games.
The ruling, issued by Judge Ken Curry, follows Sorsby’s admission that he placed roughly 40 bets on Indiana contests while serving as a redshirt freshman for the Hoosiers. During that period he also sought treatment for a gambling addiction, a fact his attorneys have highlighted as central to the case.
NCAA's Countermove
The NCAA has announced its intention to appeal the decision, citing concerns that the injunction threatens the integrity of college athletics. Officials argue that permitting a player who bet on his own team to compete undermines the league’s regulatory framework and sets a precarious precedent.
Sorsby’s legal team counters that the governing body failed to consider his wellbeing, pointing to his recent inpatient stay for gambling treatment. They contend that the punishment is disproportionate to the personal struggles he has disclosed and that the injunction should remain in effect while the appeal proceeds.
Under the terms of the injunction, Sorsby will sit out Texas Tech’s first two games, a concession that buys time for the NCAA’s appeal and allows the player to continue his recovery. The case also marks a first in collegiate sports: a player who has publicly acknowledged betting on his own squad may soon see the field again, raising complex questions about eligibility, health, and the future of wagering rules.