NFL Declines to Hold Supplemental Draft, Leaving 2027 as Only Entry Path for Quarterback Brendan Sorsby

The NFL announced Tuesday that it will not hold a supplemental draft this year, denying a request from Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby. The decision blocks Sorsby from entering the league in 2026. The league informed all 32 teams and Sorsby of the outcome in a letter.

Larry Ferazani, general counsel of the NFL Management Council, wrote that participation in the NFL is a privilege that carries significant responsibilities. The collective bargaining agreement gives the league sole discretion over whether to conduct a supplemental draft in any year. Sorsby sought the supplemental route after the NCAA permanently stripped his eligibility this spring.

He had admitted to placing approximately 9,000 bets over four years while playing at Indiana, Cincinnati and Texas Tech, including at least 40 on Indiana games. A Texas judge later granted him a temporary injunction against the NCAA ban, but backlash from state attorneys general and the Big 12 Conference prompted Texas Tech to withdraw support.

Under the league's decision, the 2027 draft is now the only path for Sorsby to enter the NFL.