NCAA Denies Reinstatement for Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby

The NCAA denied Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's request for reinstatement for the 2026 season, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. Sorsby had completed a 35-day inpatient rehabilitation program in Arizona for a diagnosed gambling addiction and anxiety disorder.

Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec confirmed in a letter to the university community that Sorsby will return to campus this week. The school plans to appeal the NCAA ruling and will seek a court decision on June 1 in Lubbock County.

Sorsby stepped away from the program on April 27 to enter treatment. ESPN first reported that he placed thousands of online bets on various sports, including Indiana football games during his true freshman season in 2022. In a lawsuit filed May 18 in Lubbock County, Sorsby admitted to the betting activity but stated he never wagered on a game in which he played or against his own team.

The suit also noted that he was clinically diagnosed with a gambling disorder, described as a mental health condition.

NCAA sports betting protocols state that student-athletes who bet on the outcomes of their own games face potential permanent loss of eligibility. Sorsby also bet on professional sports, which the NCAA prohibits. The NCAA had previously stated it had not received a reinstatement request from Sorsby. The association's decision aligns with established precedent in gambling cases.

Schovanec outlined a detailed support structure for Sorsby's return that includes ongoing outpatient clinical care, group and individual therapy, mentor resources, treatment for his anxiety disorder, device monitoring, software to block betting sites, a financial custodian, and periodic compliance checks.

" — Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president, May 26, 2026 (ESPN) Sorsby released a statement on Instagram acknowledging his treatment and expressing commitment to continued recovery. Texas Tech is scheduled to open its season on Sept. 5 against Abilene Christian.