Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby can rejoin the Red Raiders after a Lubbock County judge temporarily blocked the NCAA from enforcing a ruling that declared him permanently ineligible because of gambling violations.
Judge Ken Curry of the 99th Judicial District Court issued the injunction Monday, clearing the way for Sorsby to practice, play and take part in team activities during the 2026 season while his lawsuit against the NCAA moves forward. Court records say the NCAA is barred from “Prohibiting Applicant from practicing, playing, or otherwise participating on Texas Tech’s football team for the 2026 football season.”
The order says the court determined Sorsby had shown “a probable right to the relief he seeks” and that “the balance of equities is in his favor because of the hardship he would face in the absence of a temporary injunction.” The judge also found that urgent action was required because of “the immediate need to allow Mr. Sorsby to participate as a member of the Texas Tech football team to prevent irreparable injury to Mr. Sorsby.”
Court weighs Brendan Sorsby eligibility and NCAA gambling concerns
In its findings, the court said Sorsby faced “a probable, imminent, and irreparable injury” if he could not participate. The order pointed to the loss of a full season of competition, Division I coaching and development opportunities, and the ability to make an informed decision about a possible NFL Supplemental Draft entry.
The decision arrived only days after the NCAA rejected Texas Tech’s appeal seeking Sorsby’s reinstatement. Sorsby previously acknowledged gambling violations that included bets on college football games, including contests involving his former school, Indiana.
Under the terms attached to the injunction, Sorsby will sit out the first two games of the 2026 season and remain subject to treatment, monitoring and compliance requirements.
“I’m very grateful for the endless support I have received throughout this entire process,” Sorsby said in an Instagram post. “I am also grateful for the chance to rejoin my teammates. This opportunity comes with the responsibility to remain focused on my personal growth, the ability to learn from this experience, and to be able to use my situation to help others going forward.”
Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt backed the ruling.
“As we have said before, we do not believe that the circumstances of Brendan’s case warranted permanent ineligibility,” Hocutt said.
Hocutt said the university would continue supporting Sorsby through clinical care, monitoring and compliance checks.
The NCAA responded forcefully.
“The NCAA strongly disagrees with the court’s ruling in Sorsby’s case and is deeply concerned about the damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications of this outcome — which undermines and corrupts the integrity of sports,” the organization said in a statement.
The case lands amid growing NCAA concern over sports wagering. Recent investigations involving betting activity, point-shaving allegations and harassment of student-athletes by gamblers have heightened scrutiny across college sports. The NCAA has also reported increasing pressure on athletes tied to gambling-related abuse and has continued stressing enforcement efforts aimed at protecting competitive integrity.
For now, the NCAA can still appeal, but Sorsby remains eligible to return under the court’s conditions for the 2026 season.
Featured image: Cincinnati Bearcats via YouTube
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