Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering treatment for gambling addiction as an NCAA investigation threatens his eligibility.
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, one of the biggest names in college football entering 2026, is stepping away to enter a residential treatment program for gambling addiction, the school announced Monday.
The decision comes as the NCAA investigates Sorsby’s online betting activity, which reportedly included thousands of wagers across multiple sports.
NCAA rules ban athletes from betting on college or professional sports, and the situation could put Sorsby’s eligibility at serious risk.
Texas Tech said the university “is committed to supporting Brendan through his recovery process and to ensure his long-term health and well-being.”
Head coach Joey McGuire also backed his quarterback publicly.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” McGuire said. “Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.”
According to the report, Sorsby’s betting included wagers on Indiana football while he was a redshirt freshman with the Hoosiers in 2022. He appeared in one game that season, and the reported bets were on Indiana to win, not on games he played in.
The case has not drawn law enforcement involvement, and Sorsby has not been accused of attempting to influence any game outcome. The reported betting activity was described as a steady pattern of small wagers over time.
Still, the eligibility stakes are significant. NCAA guidelines say athletes who wager on their own games or other sports at their own school can face permanent loss of eligibility. Additional penalties can apply when cumulative betting totals exceed $800.
Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech from Cincinnati after throwing for 27 touchdowns with only five interceptions last season.
He also ran for nine touchdowns, giving him 60 career passing touchdowns, 22 rushing touchdowns and 7,208 passing yards.
His move to Lubbock made him one of the sport’s most-watched players. ESPN ranked him No. 1 in the transfer portal, and he was reportedly in line to earn more than $5 million this year.
Now Texas Tech faces major uncertainty at quarterback. Backup Will Hammond is recovering from an ACL tear and isn’t expected to be ready for the opener, with Week 3 considered a best-case target.
For now, Sorsby’s health comes first, while his football future waits on the NCAA process.
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