Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby under NCAA investigation for gambling, to enter treatment program
The NCAA prohibits student-athletes from wagering on college or pro sports, putting the QB's 2026 eligibility in doubt
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is under investigation by the NCAA for making thousands of online bets via a gambling app, sources tell CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. Sorsby, a five-star transfer quarterback, is taking an indefinite leave from the program to get inpatient treatment for gambling addiction.
According to multiple reports, Sorsby allegedly gambled on several collegiate sporting events, including games during his time as a player at Indiana. The investigation could significantly impact Sorsby's ability to play for Texas Tech in 2026 and beyond.
Sorsby's eligibility has not yet been impacted and will be subject only to a completed NCAA investigation and appeal process.
"We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help," Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said in a statement. "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 a headliner in the transfer portal for Texas Tech after signing one of the biggest contracts in college football. The Cincinnati transfer was rated the No. 2 overall player in the portal after throwing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Bearcats.
Last November, the NCAA declined a proposal that would have allowed college athletes and staff to bet on professional sports. At this point, gambling more than $800 on pro sports comes with a 30% loss of a season of eligibility. However, college sports -- especially those in which the subject is participating -- remain a bright red line for the NCAA.
If a player bets on their own games or on games within their own athletic department, they will be subject to permanent loss of eligibility.
"Due to confidentiality rules put in place by NCAA member schools, the NCAA will not comment on current, pending or potential investigations," the NCAA said in a statement to CBS News. "However, the NCAA takes sports betting very seriously and is committed to the protection of student-athlete well-being and the integrity of competition. The Association works with integrity monitoring services, state regulators and other stakeholders to conduct appropriate due diligence whenever reports are received."
Projected backup quarterback Will Hammond is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the 2025 season and could be sidelined for the start of the season. The only other quarterback on the roster with collegiate snaps is Tulsa quarterback transfer Kirk Francis, who started 10 games in three seasons for the Golden Hurricanes.
Next steps
Sorsby has not formally lost eligibility at this point and will remain eligible until the conclusion of an investigation. That said, if the early reports are any indication, Sorsby has a tough path to retaining eligibility. There's no timeline on how long an investigation could take.
The rising senior previously considered the NFL Draft, where he was evaluated as a potential Day 2 pick. With the draft complete, Sorsby could consider applying for the supplemental draft, if it exists. No formal supplemental draft has been held since 2019, especially as players push for longer collegiate eligibility.
If the supplemental draft is not an option, Sorsby could also consider playing non-NCAA football. Former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers was banned from the NCAA for gambling issues in 2022, and later played a season at Iowa Western Community College. He spent the 2025 season on the New Orleans Saints practice squad and has played two games for the Houston Gamblers of the UFL.
Quarterback uncertainty
Hammond has long been considered the future of the program at quarterback. The Texas native was a record-setting quarterback at Hutto and a late riser during the recruiting process. If Hammond had not torn his ACL, the Red Raiders might not have even pursued a blue-chip starting quarterback.
In need of clear answers at the position, Sorsby quickly became the top target on the board. People in Texas Tech's building believed that Sorsby had the processing and makeup to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football. The Red Raiders outbid LSU and Miami for his services with a contract believed to clear $5 million.
With Sorsby potentially sidelined, Texas Tech's quarterback room suddenly looks troublesome. Hammond should come back by the end of the season, but he did not participate in any offseason practices. The only other quarterback on the roster to start games is Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis, who started 10 games for the Golden Hurricane in three years after starting his career as a walk-on.
Redshirt freshman Lloyd Jones III also stepped in against West Virginia and threw two touchdowns in a 49-0 win. The Red Raiders also signed three-star quarterback Stephen Cannon in the Class of 2026.
Shaping the Big 12
Texas Tech earned its first Big 12 title and trip to the College Football Playoff in 2025 behind a stacked, transfer-heavy front seven. With Sorsby, the Red Raiders were overwhelming favorites to win the Big 12 and boasted an 11.5 win total, the best in the Power Four.
Already, the number has dropped to 10.5. The Red Raiders' national championship odds also fell from 15-to-1 to 20-to-1. The Red Raiders are still the overwhelming favorite to win the Big 12 -- largely thanks to a manageable schedule -- but the perceived ceiling has taken a significant hit.
Despite losing nine players to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Red Raiders bring back multiple players who could contend for first-round eligibility next year. The offensive line returns three key starters, and the running game is projected as perhaps the best in the Big 12.
Texas Tech will still put together a strong season. However, Hammond's health could determine how far they go.
