The Miami Hurricanes secure a top transfer quarterback, dodging a potential gambling scandal that derailed another program's aspirations.
Miami, FL. – Coming off the National Championship game, the Miami Hurricanes were in search of a new quarterback. It was understood that Carson Beck would not have extra NCAA eligibility and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Eventually, quarterback Darian Mensah landed on the roster after entering the transfer portal. He’s coming off an All-ACC caliber season with the Duke Blue Devils, leading the program to its first ACC Football Championship since 1989.
The 21-year-old completed 334 of 500 passes, 66.8 completion percentage, and led the Atlantic Coast Conference by throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns, including six interceptions, starting in all 14 games.
However, the Hurricanes attempted to land a couple of other transfer portal quarterbacks before Mensah, such as Brendan Sorsby. He was coming off a productive season with the Cincinnati Bengals: completing 207 of 336 passes, 61.6 completion percentage, throwing for 2800 yards and 27 touchdowns, including five interceptions, starting in all 12 games. Sorsby earned All-Big 12 Season Team honors and was named PFF Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
However, the Bengals went 7-6, which led the 22-year-old to enter the transfer portal. Sorsby received significant interest and offers from numerous powerhouse programs, including the Hurricanes and LSU Tigers. He eventually decided to join the Texas Tech Red Raiders, staying in the Big 12 Conference.
There were National Championship aspirations surrounding Lubbock, Texas, until a serious scandal came to light.
It was first reported by ESPN that Sorsby was checked into residential treatment for a gambling addiction. One of the bets made was on the Indiana Hoosiers in 2022, when the highly-touted quarterback was a redshirt freshman, playing in only one game. Additional reports confirm more than 10,000 were placed, using multiple platforms, including Hard Rock Bet, BetMGM, DraftKings, Prizepicks, and Bet365, among others.
The NCAA is investigating the situation, leaving Sorsby at risk of getting stripped from anymore eligibility. He placed bets on multiple different sports, including college football, which is prohibited.
The Hurricanes were likely unaware of the situation, especially during the transfer portal recruiting process. Unlike quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was another candidate to replace Beck, the program never hosted Sorsby for a visit. The situation would’ve brought a major distraction and setback to the Coral Gables campus.
Sorsby is unlikely to place the 2026-27 season, leaving the Red Raiders in a difficult situation, plus hurting any future NFL draft stock left.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are the favorites to win the ACC, return to the College Football Playoffs, and are looking to carve out another National Championship run.
An offseason can change things in an instant.
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