Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby to enter 2026 NFL supplemental draft

Texas Tech announced that quarterback Brendan Sorsby will pursue entry into the 2026 NFL supplemental draft after planning to withdraw his lawsuit against the NCAA. The move follows the expiration of a temporary injunction that had allowed him to remain eligible to play, making him ineligible under NCAA rules and thus eligible for the supplemental draft.

"This decision was made with Brendan and his family and is purely an output of practical analysis of the situation," Texas Tech board chairman Cody Campbell said. He added that the June 22 deadline left no practical way to resolve the pending legal disputes before the draft deadline, describing the supplemental draft as the only viable path for Sorsby and the university.

Sorsby had admitted to placing bets, including on his own team, during his collegiate career at Indiana and Cincinnati, a violation that triggers permanent loss of NCAA eligibility. He previously secured an injunction from a Lubbock County district court, which the NCAA appealed. The Big 12 conference has considered sanctions, including potential ineligibility for the conference championship game.

With Sorsby opting for the supplemental draft, Texas Tech will turn to backup quarterback Will Hammond, who missed spring practice while recovering from a torn ACL. The Red Raiders also have other options on the roster, such as redshirt freshman Lloyd Jones III and transfer Kirk Francis.

NFL analysts have noted that Sorsby, who amassed 5,613 passing yards, 1,027 rushing yards and 63 touchdowns over two seasons at Cincinnati, could be a high-upside candidate despite the controversy surrounding his gambling issues.