Brendan Sorsby Fallout: Texas Tech QB Away from Team Amid Gambling Investigation
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The revelation that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby will take an indefinite leave of absence from the program to check into a treatment program for gambling addiction has sent shockwaves through the Big 12 and college football world. An investigation into the matter could sideline the most important player on a College Football Playoff contender for all or part of the 2026 season.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday that Sorsby’s decision followed the discovery that he placed thousands of bets on multiple sports using a gambling app. Sorsby reportedly wagered on Indiana football games in 2022 when he was a true freshman for the Hoosiers. NCAA rules prohibit athletes from betting on collegiate and professional sports. Per ESPN, Sorsby is now the subject of an NCAA investigation that could result in a partial or permanent loss of collegiate eligibility.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” Texas Tech 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.”
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Sorsby was highly coveted when he entered the transfer portal in December. The former Cincinnati quarterback, who was named second-team All-Big 12 in 2025, reportedly fetched $5 million to join the Red Raiders. Sorsby was the crown jewel of another highly regarded Texas Tech transfer haul.
The Red Raiders have emerged as the new standard bearer in the Big 12 in the early days of the revenue-sharing era. Backed by deep-pocketed boosters, Texas Tech reeled in a class last offseason that laid the groundwork for the best campaign in program history.
Not only did the Red Raiders go 12-2 and win the Big 12 going away en route to their first CFP berth, but every one of their wins was by 20-plus points. That dream season ended with a blowout loss to Oregon in the quarterfinals, but Texas Tech’s point differential of plus-25.2 was bested by only undefeated national champion Indiana.
Early projections pegged the Red Raiders as a clear favorite in the Big 12 heading into 2026 thanks to the addition of so many talented players from the portal at premium positions over the last two offseasons, including Sorsby.
Texas Tech’s quarterback situation is now extremely clouded. A potential suspension could sideline Sorsby for as few as four games and as long as the entire season in his final year of eligibility. There’s also the possibility of an appeal that could see this situation drag out through the summer as the Sept. 5 season opener draws closer.
Will Hammond, the Red Raiders’ capable backup quarterback, tore his ACL in October and may not be ready for Week 1. Hammond is 1-1 as the starter at Texas Tech and starred last season in a win against Utah in relief of the injured Behren Morton. If Hammond is not available for the opener, he could return in late September or early October and still steer the Red Raiders to a Big 12 championship berth.
However, one of Texas Tech’s toughest games is set for Sept. 19 against Houston. The Cougars, along with BYU and Utah, are expected to be among the Red Raiders’ toughest challengers. Neither BYU nor the Utes are on Texas Tech’s regular-season schedule this season, which is again among the easiest in the Big 12 with no nonconference games against power-conference opponents.
There’s a chance Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis starts the first few games for the Red Raiders, including that pivotal Houston clash. Francis started 10 games across three seasons for the Golden Hurricane. Unlike Sorsby and Hammond, he’s more of a pocket passer than a dual-threat QB.
Lloyd Jones III could also be in the mix under center. The redshirt freshman appeared briefly in the regular-season finale and flashed potential in limited snaps.
Texas Tech Football 2026 Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
Sept. 5 | vs. Abilene Christian |
Sept. 12 | at Oregon State |
Sept. 19 | vs. Houston |
Sept. 26 | vs. Sam Houston |
Oct. 3 | at Colorado |
Oct. 17 | vs. Arizona State |
Oct. 24 | at Cincinnati |
Oct. 31 | vs. Arizona |
Nov. 7 | vs. West Virginia |
Nov. 14 | at Oklahoma State |
Nov. 21 | at Baylor |
Nov. 28 | vs. TCU |
Texas Tech has the luxury of trotting out the best backfield in the conference in running backs Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams. The Red Raiders can also lean on an elite defense that surrendered just 11.8 points per game in 2025. But Sorsby’s situation complicates the typically chaotic Big 12 and throws a wrench into the team’s offseason projections.
Texas Tech was the No. 1 team in the Big 12 in Athlon’s pre-spring rankings and came in at No. 9 nationally. If the Red Raiders are without Sorsby for any period of time, their national standing is sure to slide, and the gap between them and their closest pursuers in the conference will quickly narrow.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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