Judge Allows Brendan Sorsby to Play for Texas Tech; NCAA Appeals

A Texas judge on Monday issued a temporary injunction preventing the NCAA from enforcing a reinstatement denial against quarterback Brendan Sorsby, allowing him to practice and play for Texas Tech this season subject to conditions. The NCAA filed late Monday for an accelerated appeal to the Amarillo Court of Appeals. The local court set a trial date for Feb. 8, 2027.

The suit was filed in Lubbock County after the NCAA declined Texas Tech’s request to reinstate Sorsby. Judge Ken Curry wrote that Sorsby showed a “probable right to relief,” saying a permanent ban would deprive him of access to coaching, training resources and team support available only to Division I roster members. The injunction requires Sorsby to sit out Texas Tech’s first two games but permits him to participate in practices and other team activities.

Sorsby admitted to wagering on college football while at Indiana and Cincinnati. Texas Tech’s eligibility filing says Sorsby placed at least 40 bets on his Indiana team, including one wager of $114, and about 300 other college football bets while at Indiana, with total college-football wagers of at least $9,000. NCAA rules bar student-athletes from betting on any sport for which the association sponsors a championship and treat bets involving a player’s own team or sport as among the most serious violations.

Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech after stops at Indiana and Cincinnati. Texas Tech reported Sorsby is receiving a name, image and likeness agreement worth at least $5 million. Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt issued a statement saying the university will support Sorsby and ensure he complies with the judge’s conditions. “A comprehensive support structure, including clinical care, monitoring, and compliance checks, will remain fully in place for the duration of Brendan’s time as a student at Texas Tech,” Hocutt wrote.

Sorsby posted on social media that the opportunity to play comes with responsibility to focus on personal growth and to use his experience to help others. The court order requires him to continue counseling, enroll in Gamblers’ Anonymous or a similar program, and demonstrate compliance to the NCAA.

The NCAA’s accelerated appeal asks an appellate court to overturn the injunction and restore its eligibility decision while the underlying case proceeds. Texas attorney Christopher Kratovil noted an expedited appeal could still take nine to 12 months, meaning an appellate ruling might arrive after the college football season ends. The temporary injunction remains effective while the Lubbock County court prepares for trial.

Cincinnati has separately filed a civil suit against Sorsby, alleging he owes about $1 million for failing to fulfill an NIL agreement. Texas Tech’s season opener is scheduled for Sept. 5 at home against Abilene Christian, followed by a game at Oregon State; Sorsby’s first conference road games include appearances at Oklahoma State and at Cincinnati’s stadium.