Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has announced he is entering a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction, stepping away from the team indefinitely as the NCAA examines his past betting activity.
Reports indicate the NCAA is reviewing thousands of small online wagers Sorsby placed over time, including bets on Indiana football during the 2022 season when he was briefly on the roster. He did not participate in the games tied to those bets, and the wagers were reportedly placed on Indiana to win. According to sources, “Sorsby’s gambling has not drawn the attention of law enforcement, nor has he been linked to anyone attempting to influence the outcome of a game.”
Even so, NCAA rules strictly prohibit athletes from betting on college or professional sports, especially those involving their own school. Violations can lead to penalties ranging from partial-season suspensions to permanent loss of eligibility, depending on the circumstances and amounts wagered.
Sorsby’s availability for the 2026 season is now uncertain and will ultimately depend on the outcome of the investigation and any appeals. There is no clear timeline for either the NCAA’s review or his treatment, which is being handled as a mental health matter.
The quarterback arrived at Texas Tech as one of the most sought-after transfers in the country after a standout run at Cincinnati, where he totaled 45 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions over two seasons while adding more than 1,000 rushing yards. He previously began his college career at Indiana, appearing in 10 games after a redshirt year.
His addition had positioned Texas Tech as a leading contender in the Big 12 following a conference title and College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. Now, the team faces uncertainty at quarterback, with backup options limited due to injuries and inexperience.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” head coach Joey McGuire said in a statement. “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.”
Sorsby’s case comes amid heightened scrutiny of sports betting across college athletics. Since the expansion of legalized gambling in the U.S., the NCAA has intensified enforcement efforts, with dozens of athletes investigated in the past year and several losing eligibility for violations tied to betting activity.
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