NCAA Seeks Expedited Appeals Court Ruling on Sorsby Eligibility Before Season

The NCAA filed legal documents Monday in Lubbock County District Court requesting an appeals court decide Brendan Sorsby's eligibility by Aug. 28, one day before the 2026 college football season begins. The filing challenges a temporary injunction issued by Judge Ken Curry that allows the Texas Tech quarterback to return after sitting out the first two games.

Under the ruling, Sorsby must continue addiction treatment for diagnosed gambling and anxiety disorders. Sorsby has admitted to betting on college football. Court documents show he placed more than 9,000 bets totaling at least $90,000 over three years while enrolled at Indiana, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech, including at least 40 wagers involving his own team.

The NCAA argued that eligibility questions fall under its bylaws, not court rulings. " The NCAA has not seen evidence that Sorsby manipulated his performance, used inside information, or shared privileged information with bettors. The initial trial date remains set for February after the College Football Playoff championship.

"The season will be over, the 'temporary' relief will have become permanent, and this lawsuit will have delivered to Sorsby everything he sought," the NCAA said in its filings. The temporary injunction has prompted a Big 12 lawsuit, letters from at least four state attorneys general, and calls to boycott Texas Tech games.

Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.