Exclusive: NCAA clears University of Cincinnati in Brendan Sorsby inquiry

The NCAA inquiry into University of Cincinnati Athletics regarding gambling by former Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby is now closed, with no punishment being issued to the Bearcats.

The NCAA inquiry was reported on July 8, as Cincinnati Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield and players were at Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas, previewing the upcoming season. Satterfield declined comment from the podium when asked about the inquiry by The Enquirer.

The Enquirer learned the NCAA inquiry was over Sept. 2 and the following statement was released by UC Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications Zach Stipe:

"Earlier this summer, NCAA enforcement staff completed an inquiry into a former Cincinnati student-athlete’s prohibited betting activity during his time at the university. The inquiry is now closed, and the student-athlete was found to have committed a Level III violation.

A Level III violation is considered isolated and limited in nature. All penalties for this violation are attached to the student-athlete and not the institution or other coaches, staff members or student-athletes.

Cincinnati worked closely with the NCAA throughout the process, which began when the initial reports of impermissible sports wagering began."

NCAA statement clears University of Cincinnati of wrongdoing

In court documents, the only evidence involving Cincinnati was an August 2024 incident involving the ProhiBet app on Sorsby's phone, where he was trying to access Prize Picks, a prediction market. UC compliance investigated and found Sorsby was denied access to the app; therefore, did not gamble.

UC compliance gave him educational assignments as required. In a later interview, UC head football coach Scott Satterfield said the negativity of gambling is continually discussed.

The statement reads: "All penalties for this violation are attached to the student-athlete and not the institution or other coaches, staff members or student-athletes."

Brendan Sorsby history with Cincinnati and Texas Tech

After two seasons of 5-7 and 7-5, Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech officially on Jan. 4.

After playing in Texas Tech's spring game in April, Sorsby would enter a gambling addiction clinic in Arizona. The NCAA ruled Sorsby ineligible, then a Texas judge cleared him to play with a two-game suspension.

The Big 12 then threatened sanctions against Texas Tech, which then ruled Sorsby ineligible. The NFL supplemental draft was the next step for Sorsby's team, but the league decided in late June they would not hold a 2026 supplemental draft.

Roughly two weeks later, the NCAA's letter of inquiry came out on UC's scheduled appearance day at the annual Big 12 media gathering in Frisco.

Cincinnati Bearcats open Sept. 5 with Boston College, Texas Tech lurks on schedule

The UC Homecoming game vs. Texas Tech is set for Oct. 24 at Nippert Stadium and may have provided an electric atmosphere had Sorsby returned at quarterback. As it stands, the Red Raiders are still a Big 12 favorite and it looms as an important game on UC's schedule. It also comes a day after the Bearcats induct Jason Kelce, Connor Barwin, Bob Huggins and several other legends into the James P. Kelly UC Athletic Hall of Fame.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Exclusive: NCAA clears University of Cincinnati in Brendan Sorsby inquiry