Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, a highly regarded NFL Draft prospect, has entered a residential rehabilitation facility after developing a gambling addiction that has triggered an NCAA investigation and raised questions about his future eligibility.
According to reports from ESPN, Sorsby voluntarily sought treatment after internal findings linked him to thousands of online wagers placed across multiple sports. The situation has quickly escalated from a personal health matter into a major college athletics issue, given the NCAA’s strict stance on sports betting involving student-athletes.
Sorsby‘s rise in college football has been closely followed, particularly after his transfer from Cincinnati to Texas Tech earlier this offseason. He arrived in Lubbock as the top-ranked player in ESPN’s transfer portal rankings and was expected to become a cornerstone of the Red Raiders’ offense.
However, his move also came amid legal tensions, with Cincinnati announcing in February that it planned to pursue legal action over an alleged breach of his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreement. At the same time, Sorsby was projected to earn more than $5 million in NIL deals this year, further elevating the scrutiny surrounding his off-field situation.
NCAA investigation raises eligibility uncertainty
The NCAA has since opened an investigation into Sorsby‘s conduct, focusing on whether he violated its strict gambling policies, which prohibit athletes from wagering on collegiate and professional sports. Updated guidelines introduced in 2023 state that student-athletes who bet on their own games or on events involving their schools can face permanent loss of eligibility.
While early reports suggest Sorsby did not bet on games in which he played, sources indicate he placed consistent small wagers over time, including bets involving Indiana football during his redshirt season in 2022. Importantly, there is no indication that he attempted to influence game outcomes or that any external parties were involved.
If violations are confirmed, however, his eligibility for college competition could be permanently affected.
Texas Tech has publicly backed Sorsby as he begins treatment, with head coach Joey McGuire emphasizing that the program’s priority is his wellbeing.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” read a statement by McGuire.
“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.”
The university echoed this sentiment, saying it remains committed to his long-term health. On the field, Sorsby had been building significant momentum, throwing for 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions last season at Cincinnati while adding nine rushing touchdowns.
He was also recently seen participating in Texas Tech’s spring game on April 17, underscoring his expected role as a key offensive leader before the investigation emerged.
Despite the uncertainty, his athletic profile still keeps him in consideration as a potential early NFL Draft selection.
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