NCAA Memo Says Protect College Sports Act Would Override Sorsby Injunction

The NCAA sent a memo to Division I conference commissioners on Friday stating that the Protect College Sports Act would override a state court injunction allowing Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby to play during the 2026 season. The memo said the bill would resolve the Sorsby case if it becomes law before the legal challenge concludes.

Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of sports bets, including wagers on his own team while at Indiana, and a Lubbock judge granted him an injunction on Monday that permits him to sit out only the first two games.

The legislation would allow the NCAA to enforce gambling-related eligibility rules even when state courts issue conflicting orders. The NCAA stated that while the bill generally does not override state contract or personal injury claims, it would prevent courts from ordering the NCAA to reverse gambling enforcement actions.

The memo also noted that the bill could affect other pending cases, including that of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, whose injunction was based on an earlier illness rather than gambling violations.

Several athletic directors have expressed concern over the ruling. Nebraska and Georgia athletic directors have threatened to boycott future games against Texas Tech, while the Big Ten has discussed a scheduling moratorium. The Big 12 held a conference call with its athletic directors on Tuesday to address the situation.

Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt defended the program's handling of the case while acknowledging peer frustration. The school has indicated it will pursue legal action if the Big 12 imposes sanctions. "To answer many questions we received recently: yes, the bill would resolve the issue raised in the Sorsby case," the NCAA memo stated.