Texas Tech thought it was set at QB with Brendan Sorsby, now his future with the Red Raiders is up in the air.
Texas Tech took a big swing in the transfer portal and brought in former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby. He was rated as one of the top transfers in the latest cycle and brought even more excitement for next season to Lubbock.
However, a recent bombshell announcement involving Sorsby's previous gambling activities surfaced and has muddied the waters around his eligibility for the upcoming year.
The only official word from any involved party came courtesy of Texas Tech, who originally sent a press release that Sorsby was seeking treatment for an admitted gambling addiction. The program voiced their support as an NCAA investigation loomed, according to outside reports.
There is no confirmed information about the extent of misconduct Sorsby engaged in, if any, in regards to the NCAA. With the uncertainty, Texas Tech now finds itself back at square one, especially if Sorsby is eventually ruled ineligible.
Despite the push to bring in Sorsby, the Red Raiders made more moves at the position this offseason and remained enough talent to have an answer under center.
Incoming sophomore Will Hammond is the obvious answer after a breakout role in relief last season. The freshman came in clutch throughout various points of the season, including leading a road win over a ranked Utah squad.
But those knowledgeable Red Raider fans may remember that Hammond suffered an injury of his own, as he tore his ACL in a season-ending move against Oklahoma State.
He was initially reported to be ready for action by Week 3 by head coach Joey McGuire, but the Sorsby saga has potentially moved that timetable up. Hammond reportedly has began throwing exercises again at Texas Tech's practices.
While the news is promising, it is still uncertain that Hammond can return in time for opening kickoff with Abilene Christian. That leaves two other faces that could lead the Red Raiders early in the year.
Another transfer QB that got lost in the hype of Sorsby, Kirk Francis joined Texas Tech from Tulsa. He is a potent passer that started a fair share of contests with the Golden Hurricane and racked up over 3,000 career yards and 18 touchdowns. Francis may not be the long-term starter, but he is a definite asset in the non-conference schedule.
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Lloyd Jones III spent last season in Lubbock as a true freshman, while using his redshirt option. In his one game of action, Jones threw for close to 75 yards and two touchdowns against West Virginia. He rehabbed a nagging knee injury sustained in high school and looks to finally be fully healthy.
Sorsby was undoubtedly poised to be the new face at quarterback this season for Texas Tech and while his potential absence is a tough blow, the Red Raiders have more than enough in the arsenal to make another deep run this season.