Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been dealt a monumental blow in his fight for eligibility following an NCAA investigation into his gambling activity.

It was revealed on Tuesday that the NCAA had denied the signal caller’s request for reinstatement for the 2026 season, despite completing a 35-day in-patient rehab. 

According to The Athletic, the Red Raiders star is expected to appeal the decision, having filed a separate lawsuit seeking a temporary injunction for the 2026 season. 

The 22-year-old has a court date set for June 1 in Lubbock County. 

In light of the NCAA’s decision, the Texas Tech star shared a statement insisting that he is ‘looking forward to returning to campus’, despite suffering the major blow.

‘Last Friday, I completed a residential treatment program for a diagnosed gambling addiction and anxiety disorder. While I accept responsibility for my behavior and know that I have a lot of work ahead of me, for the first time in many years I feel more free and no longer fully at the mercy of my addiction. 

The NCAA has denied Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby’s request for reinstatement for eligibility for the 2026 season following an investigation into his gambling activity 

It was discovered that Sorsby had made thousands of online bets across a variety of sports

‘I am endlessly grateful to all who have supported me over the last several weeks, especially my family, friends, the experts and staff at Algamus Recovery Services, and the entire Texas Tech community.

‘This is the start of a new beginning that I feel fortunate to have. I know recovery from addiction is a long road and I hope that my experience has in even some small way reduced the stigma associated with speaking up about addiction and getting help.

‘I am committed to my ongoing treatment and being a resource to many other student-athletes and other kids out there dealing with gambling addiction and other mental health issues.

‘With the support of my coaches, teammates and the university, I’m looking forward to returning to campus in Lubbock. If I’m blessed and fortunate enough to have the opportunity to continue my college career at Texas Tech, I know I will get the support I need, including through the school’s Center for Students in Addiction Recovery. 

‘I am deeply sorry to everyone I’ve disappointed and am committed to the hard and necessary work ahead.’

Sorsby checked himself into a residential rehab facility for gambling addiction in April, deciding to seek help after he was found to have made thousands of online bets across a variety of sports.

As a result, the NCAA had investigated his betting history – due to the fact it strictly prohibits its athletes from wagering money on both collegiate and professional sports.

The NCAA’s investigation centered on whether he placed bets while on Indiana’s roster in 2022, which could lead to the permanent loss of his college eligibility. 

The signal caller redshirted for Indiana that season but did play one game. The bets were on Indiana to win but none were placed on games he appeared in.

The quarterback was inundated with offers after deciding to transfer away from Cincinnati 

‘All of these bets were in support of Indiana,’ Sorsby wrote in an affidavit in the lawsuit. 

‘In other words, I placed bets on Indiana to win a game or score more than a certain number of points or for the quarterback to throw for more than a certain number of touchdowns or yards.’ 

The Texas Tech star’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, had argued that Sorsby’s gambling addiction is a clinically diagnosed disorder, recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 

Meanwhile, earlier this offseason, Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech from Cincinnati, who announced on February 26 they would sue him for breaching his NIL contract.

He was ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s transfer portal rankings and was set to be of major interest to NFL teams going into next year’s draft.

The 22-year-old was also reportedly set to earn more than $5million in NIL this year with the Red Raiders. 

‘We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,’ Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said in a statement, when the news broke in April.

‘Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.’ 

Sorsby was recently pictured at Texas Tech’s spring game on April 17. He threw for 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions last year at Cincinnati. He also rushed for nine touchdowns.