Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby plans to formalize his entry into the NFL supplemental draft in 2026. This information was confirmed by sources linked to CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello and represents the end of an intense controversy over his college football eligibility.

Sorsby is expected to withdraw his lawsuit against the NCAA this Tuesday, as reported by NFL Network. With the annulment of his temporary injunction, the athlete would again be considered ineligible by the university league, paving the way for his participation in the supplementary draft.

In a statement, Cody Campbell, chairman of the Texas Tech board, explained that the decision resulted from a practical assessment of the situation, made in conjunction with Brendan and his family. Although the player and the university have strong legal arguments, there is a June 22 deadline for Sorsby to enter the NFL supplemental draft. There is no time to resolve all pending legal disputes and ensure eligibility before that date, making this the only viable and fair path forward for the athlete, his teammates and the institution.

Campbell further stated that Texas Tech will not require the return of any amounts paid under Sorsby’s contract with the university. Reports indicated that the athlete would receive more than US$5 million.

Sorsby acknowledged making thousands of bets during his four years as a college athlete, periods during which he was at the universities of Indiana and Cincinnati. He even admitted to having bet on his own program while playing for Indiana. According to NCAA rules, betting on one’s own team or university results in permanent loss of eligibility in college sports.

However, Sorsby had obtained an injunction in the Lubbock County District Court, which guaranteed him the right to play until his formal trial, scheduled for February 2027. The NCAA, in turn, appealed this court decision.

Last week, the Big 12 discussed possible sanctions on Sorsby and Texas Tech, including ineligibility for the conference championship game. In response to a statement from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the league filed a request for a preliminary injunction that, if accepted, would allow it to enforce its rules against Texas Tech. The attorneys general of Oklahoma, Kansas and Utah also expressed support for the conference.

Rather than pursue the legal battle, Sorsby will seek to be the first player selected in the NFL supplemental draft in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era. Given this scenario, Texas Tech will now rely on quarterback Will Hammond, who was out in the spring while recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that occurred in October.

Negative reactions to the Sorsby case grow

Ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect in the transfer portal, Sorsby represented a key acquisition for Texas Tech. The program had lost veteran Behren Morton to the NFL, and Hammond’s injury raised concern as it approached a crucial season without a clear definition at the quarterback position.

Early reviews of spring training camp were stellar, including a four-touchdown performance in the preseason game. After being alerted by the NCAA to an impending investigation, Sorsby entered a gambling rehabilitation facility in Arizona, where he remained for five weeks of inpatient treatment. After the initial ruling, Texas Tech and Sorsby requested reinstatement, arguing that the NCAA should consider the athlete’s clinical diagnosis of compulsive gambling disorder.

After his request was denied, Sorsby hired renowned attorney Jeffrey Kessler and obtained an injunction preventing the NCAA from suspending him. The backlash against Sorsby and Texas Tech for supporting him was immediate. The universities of Georgia and Nebraska announced that they would not schedule clashes with the Red Raiders in any sport. According to Yahoo Sports, Michigan has canceled a scheduled volleyball match against Texas Tech.

Texas Tech released a 21-minute video on Friday, featuring the institution’s president, athletic director and football coach, detailing the specifics of the decision. In the end, the pressure, which escalated to the Big 12 and state government levels, became unsustainable for Sorsby and his team.

Brendan Sorsby’s immediate future in sports

Sorsby is now expected to enter the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft, an event that has not occurred since 2023. Since Washington State defensive back Jalen Thompson in 2019, no athlete has been selected in this type of draft.

NFL teams can select players in the supplemental draft by blindly submitting a pick number, which will then be deducted from their draft the following year. CBS Sports NFL draft analyst Ryan Wilson praises Sorsby’s potential, calling him a first-round talent. However, his history with gambling and the controversy surrounding his eligibility significantly complicate his selection process.

In two seasons as a starter at Cincinnati, Sorsby accumulated a total of 5,613 passing yards, 1,027 rushing yards and 63 touchdowns. In 2025, he was named to the All-Big 12 second team.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, only two quarterbacks were chosen in the first round: Fernando Mendoza of the Raiders and Ty Simpson of the Rams. Sorsby, therefore, could become a low-cost, high-return bet for some franchise.

Texas Tech University’s current position in the landscape

Texas Tech maintained its support of Sorsby throughout the process, even in the face of expectations that he would lose eligibility. Although the lawsuit was filed by Sorsby himself and not by the university, the institution supported his return to the cast and campus after the injunction was granted.

“The truth is, contrary to the public narrative, Texas Tech’s sole goals have been to protect the well-being and best interest of one of our new students, his fellow athletes, our institution and our community,” Campbell said.

Now the Red Raiders will pin their hopes on Hammond, a former highly rated recruit from Hutto, Texas. The second-year athlete had a notable role last season against Utah, coming off the bench to record 169 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-10 road win.

With uncertainty surrounding Hammond’s readiness for the opener, Texas Tech is exploring other options on its roster. Redshirt freshman Lloyd Jones III is the only other player with on-field experience for Texas Tech, all of his performances coming against West Virginia. Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis started 10 games for the Golden Hurricane, racking up more than 3,000 passing yards in 18 appearances.

Even without Sorsby, Texas Tech is considered the favorite to win the Big 12 title and be the first team to win back-to-back since Oklahoma won six straight titles between 2015 and 2020.