Texas Tech Brendan Sorsby Will Get To Play After Judge Lifts Suspension For Gambling Violations

Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby is eligible to play college football in 2026—despite controversy.

One of the most dramatic controversies of the 2026 college football offseason appears to be over—at least for now. A Texas judge granted Sorsby a temporary injunction Monday, allowing the quarterback to participate in the 2026 season and suspending him for just two games for his gambling violations.

Sorsby played for the Indiana Hoosiers before transferring to the Cincinnati Bearcats—and placed numerous bets while serving as Indiana’s backup quarterback.

Sorsby entered the offseason as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the transfer portal after starting at Cincinnati. Reports indicated he was set to earn $5 million in name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation and was viewed by many scouts as a potential first-round prospect.

The NCAA discovered that Sorsby had bet approximately $90,000 on professional and college sports over four years, including 40 bets involving Indiana football in 2022.
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Last season, Texas Tech dealt with a quarterback carousel after starter Will Hammond went down with an ACL injury. Backup Behren Morton finished the year, and Texas Tech lost to Oregon 23-0 in the first playoff game.

Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire and university officials have continued to support Sorsby throughout the process, emphasizing rehabilitation and accountability. The NCAA is expected to continue fighting the ruling.

For now, Sorsby will be back on the field for the 2026-27 season after months of uncertainty. He remains one of the more talented college football quarterbacks in the country, but will likely face plenty of criticism.

Even Big 12 athletic directors have said they will not play Texas Tech because of the ruling, and online backlash continues.

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