Brendan Sorsby, a quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, is set to declare for the 2026 NFL supplemental draft, according to a report from Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports, who cited sources. The anticipated move brings a conclusion to a whirlwind regarding Sorsby’s eligibility.
Per NFL Network, Sorsby intends to withdraw the lawsuit Tuesday that he has against the NCAA. Due to his temporary injunction not being valid anymore, he’d once again be ineligible, which in turn gives him eligibility to place his name in the supplemental draft. (RELATED: Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović Moved After FOX Colleague Alexi Lalas Gets Emotional During US National Anthem)
“This decision was made with Brendan and his family and is purely an output of practical analysis of the situation,” said Texas Tech board chairman Cody Campbell in an official statement, per CBS Sports. “Brendan and Texas Tech stand on very solid and legitimate legal ground, but he faces a June 22nd deadline to be eligible to enter the NFL’s supplemental draft, and there is no practical way to resolve all the various pending legal disputes and ensure his eligibility prior to this date. This is the only viable and fair path for Brendan and his future, as well as for his teammates, and our university.”
It was also noted by Campbell that Texas Tech will not be looking for any money to be returned that was paid to Sorsby through the contract that he has with the university. The quarterback was slated to make over $5 million.
Star QB Brendan Sorsby is applying to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, sources tell NFL Network.
After legal wrangling about his NCAA eligibility, Sorsby — regarded as a first-round talent — now could be the highest-drafted supplemental pick in decades. pic.twitter.com/ltK1SiWZr4
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2026
It was admitted by Sorsby that he placed thousands of bets throughout his four years as a student-athlete with Cincinnati and Indiana, which included wagers on his own team during his playing days as a Hoosier. According to NCAA rules, per CBS Sports, betting on your own school or team can lead to collegiate eligibility being permanently lost.
With that being said, in a Lubbock County District Court, Sorsby was given an injunction that would’ve permitted him to compete, which is pending on his Feb. 2027 formal trial. The decision was appealed by the NCAA.
Rather than progressing through the legal progress, the Texas Tech quarterback will now try to be the first student-athlete in the NIL era to be selected in the NFL supplemental draft. The Red Raiders will transition to quarterback Will Hammond, who suffered a torn ACL in Oct. 2025 and missed the entire spring to recover.