Brendan Sorsby won a major legal victory Monday that clears the way for him to play college football this season.
A Texas judge granted the Texas Tech quarterback an injunction in his case against the NCAA. The ruling allows Sorsby to remain eligible despite an ongoing NCAA investigation into gambling violations.
Sorsby had been at risk of losing his eligibility for the upcoming season. He took his case to court seeking protection while the NCAA investigates him for betting on games as a student-athlete.
The quarterback wanted a quick decision so he could decide whether to enter the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft by its June 22 deadline.
Instead, it looks like Sorsby will suit up for the Red Raiders after all.
Court grants injunction for Texas Tech QB
The ruling means Sorsby can move forward with plans to play in the 2026 season for Texas Tech. He’d been exploring the NFL Supplemental Draft as a backup option if he was ruled ineligible.
Sorsby took a leave of absence from the program to address his gambling addiction while fighting the NCAA for eligibility. He can now return to Texas Tech and prepare for the season with his new team.
The decision comes with a two-game suspension to start the year.
NEWS: A judge in district court in Lubbock County, Texas, has granted the injunction requested by Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby. He’s set to be eligible for the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/31IjwqyxaM
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 8, 2026
Texas Tech supporters see the ruling as validation that Sorsby’s situation reflects bigger problems with the current system.
Cody Campbell, Texas Tech booster and Saving College Sports point man, to @usatodaysports on Sorsby ruling:
“This whole situation is the outcome of a broken system, and I’m doing everything I can to fix it while Texas Tech still does the best it can to navigate the chaos.”
— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) June 8, 2026
Two-game suspension to start season
Sorsby will miss Texas Tech’s first two games of the 2026 season as part of the court’s ruling.
The Red Raiders open against Abilene Christian and Oregon State. Sorsby won’t be eligible for those contests.
He’ll likely make his Texas Tech debut in the team’s third game against Houston.
Judge with no Texas Tech ties hears case
Judge Ken Curry heard Sorsby’s case in Lubbock County court. Curry has no connection to Texas Tech beyond the case being heard in the university’s hometown.
Curry graduated from UT-Arlington and attended law school at the University of Houston.
Judge Phillip Hayes was originally assigned the case but recused himself because he holds two degrees from Texas Tech.
NCAA fires back at court decision
The NCAA released a statement strongly opposing the ruling and expressing concerns about its broader implications.
“The NCAA strongly disagrees with the court’s ruling in Sorsby’s case and is deeply concerned about the damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications of this outcome — which undermines and corrupts the integrity of sports,” the statement said. “The NCAA is committed to supporting student-athlete mental health but must continue to aggressively defend against actions that defraud college athletics and threaten competitive integrity, such as betting on one’s own sport.”
The gambling violations at center of case
The NCAA is investigating Sorsby for violating gambling rules while he was a student-athlete. Sorsby has admitted to having a gambling addiction and sought treatment at a residential program.
The quarterback admitted to betting on Indiana games while playing for the Hoosiers in 2022. He never appeared in games when he placed those bets, but the violations still triggered the NCAA investigation.
Sorsby’s gambling activity went beyond betting on Indiana, but his wagers on his own team represent the most serious violations.
NCAA rules state that any player found betting on their own team risks losing eligibility for the remainder of their college career.
