Brendan Sorsby granted injunction against NCAA to play for Texas Tech, eligible for 2026

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has secured a legal victory in his battle against the NCAA, with a Lubbock County judge granting him an injunction that makes him eligible to play for the Red Raiders in the upcoming 2026 college football season. The ruling follows the NCAA’s denial of Sorsby’s reinstatement request on May 26, which left his eligibility in limbo until the court intervention. Sorsby, who stepped away from Texas Tech on April 27 to enter a residential treatment program for his gambling addiction, admitted in court filings to placing bets on various sports—including collegiate and professional events—during his true freshman season at Indiana in 2022. The NCAA prohibits student-athletes from betting on any sports, and Sorsby was clinically diagnosed with a gambling disorder, which he addressed through a 35-day inpatient rehab program in Arizona. The judge’s injunction requires Sorsby to serve a two-game suspension for Texas Tech’s first matches of the season: Abilene Christian on September 5 and Oregon State on September 12. The NCAA has expressed strong disagreement with the ruling, citing concerns over its broader implications for college athletics regulations. Sorsby’s case stems from an investigation into his gambling activities, which included wagers on Major League Baseball, UFC, tennis, international soccer, and even the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. His legal team argued that his addiction and subsequent treatment warranted a second chance, leading to the court’s decision in his favor. The ruling marks a pivotal moment in college sports, as it challenges NCAA policies on eligibility tied to gambling violations. Texas Tech’s Red Raiders will now welcome Sorsby back to the field, though under the condition of the mandated suspension.