Texas Tech quarterback seeks court order to overturn NCAA eligibility ban
The NCAA maintains it has not received a formal reinstatement request and insists on strict enforcement of sports betting rules to protect game integrity.
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has filed a legal injunction in a Lubbock district court against the National Collegiate Athletic Association, seeking immediate reinstatement of his eligibility for the 2026 college football season. The legal action, reported by CBS Sports on 18 May 2026, comes amid an ongoing investigation into Sorsby’s betting activity, which allegedly occurred during his tenure at Indiana University.
Sorsby, who took an indefinite leave of absence in April to seek treatment for a clinically diagnosed gambling addiction, is represented by attorney Jeffrey Kessler. Kessler is known for his role in the House v. NCAA victory. The legal team argues that the NCAA is exploiting Sorsby’s addiction to maintain a facade of competitive integrity while profiting from the gambling ecosystem. The filing claims the governing body has weaponised his mental health condition to justify his ineligibility.
The NCAA has responded by stating it has not received a formal reinstatement request for the case. In a statement to ESPN, the organisation affirmed that its sports betting rules are clear and must be enforced in every case involving bets on one’s own team to protect game integrity. The NCAA emphasised that it will continue to apply these protections equally to ensure every student-athlete competes in a fair environment.
The timing of the injunction is critical for Texas Tech’s roster construction. The program has invested heavily in the transfer portal, with Sorsby ranked as the No. 2 overall player after throwing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions for Cincinnati last season. Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire issued a statement supporting Sorsby’s decision to take leave, emphasising the program’s focus on his health and well-being.
If the injunction is not granted, backup quarterback Will Hammond is positioned to start in the Week 3 Big 12 opener against Houston. Hammond is expected to be cleared for all football activities on 21 August. Sorsby’s legal team is targeting a resolution by 15 June, coinciding with the deadline for the NFL Supplemental Draft declaration, a date that adds urgency to the legal proceedings.
