"Sorsby is the highest-profile college athlete to publicly seek treatment for gambling since the expansion of legalized sports gambling."
Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Takes Leave Amid Gambling Investigation
Texas Tech University quarterback Brendan Sorsby has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the football program to enter a residential treatment program for gambling addiction. The NCAA is investigating Sorsby’s betting activity, which involved thousands of online wagers on various sports. The university confirmed the leave on Monday and stated it is committed to supporting Sorsby’s recovery.
Details of the Leave and Investigation
Sorsby, 22, has left the team to seek treatment at an in-patient facility. No timetable has been provided for his return. The NCAA declined to comment on the investigation, citing confidentiality rules.
According to multiple reports, the NCAA investigation was prompted by the discovery that Sorsby placed thousands of online bets on a gambling app. These wagers included bets on Indiana University football games during the 2022 season, when Sorsby was a redshirt freshman on the Hoosiers roster.
Sources report that Sorsby bet on Indiana to win and did not appear in the games on which he wagered.
The bets were described as mostly small-dollar amounts, and the investigation has not linked Sorsby to any attempts to influence game outcomes or drawn law enforcement attention.
The Indiana Gaming Commission withheld documents related to Sorsby, citing state law shielding law enforcement investigatory records.
NCAA Rules and Potential Penalties
Under NCAA guidelines updated in 2023:
- Betting on games involving one's own school can result in permanent loss of eligibility.
- Betting on one's own sport involving another school can result in loss of 50% of a season of eligibility.
- Betting more than $800 on professional sports can cost at least 30% of a season's eligibility.
Sorsby could appeal a potential ban.
Background on Sorsby’s Career
Sorsby began his college career at Indiana in 2022. He transferred to Cincinnati, where he played in 2023 and 2024, before moving to Texas Tech in January 2025.
In 35 career games (31 starts), Sorsby has passed for 7,208 yards and 60 touchdowns, with 1,295 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. In his final season at Cincinnati (2025), he passed for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns and rushed for 580 yards and 9 scores.
He was considered a prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft and was expected to replace Behren Morton, who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Contract and Legal Issues
Sorsby signed a one-year Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Texas Tech reported to be worth over $4 million. The impact of his leave on his compensation is unclear.
The University of Cincinnati filed a federal lawsuit against Sorsby on February 26, 2026, alleging breach of his NIL contract and seeking a $1 million buyout. On the same day the gambling investigation was made public, Sorsby filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the buyout is an unreasonable penalty under Ohio law.
Team Impact and Context
Texas Tech won the Big 12 conference and reached the College Football Playoff in the 2025 season, finishing with a 12-2 record.
With Sorsby’s status uncertain, Texas Tech’s quarterback situation is in flux. Backup quarterback Will Hammond is recovering from a torn ACL.
Sorsby is the highest-profile college athlete to publicly seek treatment for gambling since the expansion of legalized sports gambling. This case follows other gambling-related incidents in college athletics:
- In January 2026, federal prosecutors charged 20 men’s college basketball players with conspiracy to manipulate games in a gambling ring.
- Former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers pleaded guilty to underage gambling and was permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA.
Statements
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire expressed support for Sorsby’s decision to seek help. The university declined to provide additional details about the investigation or treatment timeline.