Joey McGuire, head football coach at Texas Tech University, continues to maintain contact with former quarterback Brendan Sorsby following Sorsby’s departure from the program. Sorsby, who transferred from Cincinnati in January, has not played a game for the Red Raiders and announced on June 15 that he would be leaving the university to prepare for the National Football League (NFL) after violating NCAA gambling rules.

Sorsby’s situation has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding his ineligibility. He admitted to betting on his own team while at Indiana and reportedly placed more than 9,000 bets totaling at least $90,000 during his collegiate career. The NCAA declared him permanently ineligible and denied his appeal in May. However, a Texas judge issued an injunction restoring Sorsby’s eligibility on June 8. The ruling prompted legal action from the Big 12 Conference, which subsequently filed suit in federal court. Sorsby ultimately withdrew his appeal a week later to pursue an NFL career, though he will not be eligible to enter the league until 2027 because the NFL chose not to hold a supplemental draft for him in 2023.

The episode exposed tensions between Texas Tech and the Big 12. McGuire described the ordeal as the most challenging experience of his coaching career and said he was surprised by the level of resistance from other conferences and athletic directors. Despite the conflict, McGuire noted he received private support from several peers, including coaches Eric Morris of Oklahoma State, Kalani Sitake of Brigham Young, Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State, and even Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.

At the Big 12 media day, most coaches refrained from commenting extensively on the issue. Baylor coach Dave Aranda expressed pride in the conference’s handling of the case while acknowledging the human difficulties faced by Sorsby. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark declined to comment on Sorsby directly and indicated the conference was focused on moving forward unified as a 16-team league, despite “disagreements” with Texas Tech.

With Sorsby’s exit, Texas Tech’s quarterback position is now occupied by Will Hammond, who has previous starting experience but suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament last October and is expected to be cleared for full participation ahead of the 2024 season. If Hammond remains unavailable, the team will rely on junior Kirk Francis, a transfer from Tulsa.

McGuire emphasized that the program has increased its focus on gambling education and acknowledged the pervasiveness of gambling advertisements targeting young athletes. He said the Sorsby case has prompted Texas Tech to reassess its methods for vetting incoming transfers and recruits. McGuire discussed conversations with experienced NFL investigators and other coaches about improving due diligence, including sharing relevant background information within the transfer portal to better identify potential risks.

Sorsby, who underwent treatment for a gambling addiction at a facility in Arizona earlier this year, remains in contact with teammates and coaching staff. Tight end Terrance Carter Jr. described his former quarterback as a close friend and noted the deep impact his departure had on the team’s locker room dynamic. Texas Tech now aims to move past the controversy as it prepares for a season with heightened expectations.