Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has announced plans to enter the NFL supplemental draft, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his eligibility to play at the collegiate level this fall. This decision comes amid ongoing legal battles and NCAA sanctions related to Sorsby’s admitted violations of NCAA gambling rules.

Sorsby’s situation gained national attention after a Lubbock County judge issued an injunction allowing him to participate in college sports despite the NCAA deeming him permanently ineligible. The restrictions stem from Sorsby’s admission that he placed over 9,000 bets amounting to at least $90,000 during his college career. These bets included wagers on Indiana football—including his own team—and basketball games, violating NCAA gambling regulations. The offenses reportedly continued after his transfer to Texas Tech, although mobile sports betting is illegal in Texas.

The NCAA permanently ruled Sorsby ineligible and rejected his appeal in May. In response, Sorsby filed a lawsuit against the NCAA alleging that the organization failed to protect his welfare. The Lubbock County court’s ruling permitting him to play triggered widespread backlash, including calls from several programs to avoid scheduling games with Texas Tech, as well as expressions of frustration from Big 12 officials. Some conference members considered sanctions against Texas Tech if Sorsby appeared in games.

Texas Tech’s leadership, while facing intense scrutiny, maintained support for Sorsby. In a letter to fans, Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell stated the decision to pursue the NFL opportunity was made jointly with Sorsby and his family after assessing the impracticality of resolving the legal disputes before the supplemental draft deadline of June 22. Campbell also emphasized the university’s commitment to providing recovery resources and confirmed it would not seek repayment of approximately $1 million Sorsby earned through name, image, and likeness agreements.

Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec and Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt underscored their ongoing support for Sorsby’s well-being and transition beyond collegiate sports. In an Instagram message, Sorsby expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his focus on personal growth and his football career.

The legal controversy expanded beyond Texas Tech, involving multiple state attorneys general. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened on behalf of Texas Tech, cautioning the Big 12 against punitive measures. Conversely, attorneys general from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Utah supported the conference’s position that it retains authority to enforce bylaws and potentially sanction Texas Tech.

With Sorsby’s withdrawal, Texas Tech is expected to rely on Will Hammond as its starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Hammond, who had a strong freshman campaign last year before suffering an ACL injury, is anticipated to be ready early in the season. He will be backed up by Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis.

The supplemental draft, established in 1977, allows players who lose collegiate eligibility late in the process to enter the NFL. Candidates must apply by a June 22 deadline and receive league approval. The draft operates through a bidding system in which teams forfeit future picks to select players. While no player has been chosen in the supplemental draft since 2019, Sorsby’s size and talent suggest he could attract NFL interest.

Though projected as a potential first-round prospect for the 2026 NFL draft, Sorsby’s path to the professional ranks will now take an unconventional course following the gambling scandal and NCAA rulings. The resolution of his eligibility struggles and move toward the NFL supplemental draft marks a significant turning point in a case that has sparked debate over NCAA governance and collegiate athlete rights.