Brendan Sorsby’s unconventional NFL journey hit a roadblock Tuesday when the league announced it won’t hold a Supplemental Draft this year.
The former Texas Tech quarterback, who admitted to placing over 9,000 bets on sporting events including his own games, received the news directly from the NFL. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network first reported the decision.
“The NFL has informed Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby there will be no supplemental draft this year, rendering him ineligible to play in the league this season. The league told Sorsby it is the NFL’s ‘sole discretion’ whether to hold a draft. There will be none in 2026.”
The 22-year-old quarterback transferred to Texas Tech from Cincinnati in January after completing rehab for gambling addiction.
Sorsby tried to sue the NCAA to regain college eligibility for the 2026 season. A Lubbock, Texas judge initially ruled in his favor and granted an injunction.
But the NCAA, Big 12, and several state attorney generals filed a counter-suit against Sorsby and the State of Texas. The legal pressure forced him out of college football entirely.
NFL general counsel Lawrence Ferazani sent Sorsby a letter acknowledging his talent while closing the door on immediate entry.
“By all accounts, you are a talented player with the potential for future success. We encourage you to focus on preparing for possible entry into the NFL through the 2027 NFL Annual Draft.”
Sorsby announced his intention to enter the supplemental draft on June 15. He had planned to host a pro day workout for NFL teams in Texas this mid-July.
The supplemental draft typically allows players who missed the regular draft deadline to enter the league. But the NFL isn’t required to hold one every year.
This decision leaves Sorsby without football options until the 2027 NFL Draft in April.
His gambling admission included bets on various sports, creating eligibility issues at both the college and professional levels. The NCAA has strict rules prohibiting student-athletes from betting on any sport.
Sorsby’s case highlighted the growing intersection between sports betting and athlete eligibility as gambling becomes more widespread.
