Brendan Sorsby’s path to the NFL just got a lot harder after the league declined to hold a supplemental draft. The NFL’s decision has effectively shut the door on the 22-year-old quarterback’s hopes of joining an NFL roster before the 2026 season.
Sorsby, who dropped his eligibility case against the NCAA and applied for the supplemental draft on June 16, will now have to wait until the 2027 NFL Draft. He had been ruled ineligible by the NCAA after it was revealed he allegedly placed more than 9,000 bets totaling at least $90,000 over four years, including roughly 40 wagers on Indiana football games while he was with the program.
Brendan Sorsby’s Gambling Scandal and What Comes Next
Despite completing a rehabilitation program for a diagnosed gambling and anxiety disorder, the league opted not to give Sorsby a summer pathway into the NFL.
He had arrived at Texas Tech through the transfer portal as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, fresh off a breakout 2025 season at Cincinnati. The NCAA ruled him ineligible on May 18, and both his personal appeal and Texas Tech’s appeal on his behalf were denied by early June.
On June 8, a Lubbock County judge granted Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA, briefly restoring his eligibility for the 2026 college season. However, Big 12 opponents threatened to boycott Texas Tech games across all sports, and within days, it was revealed that Sorsby will be declaring for the supplemental draft.
Multiple teams were reportedly interested in him, but Sorsby will now have to wait another year to accomplish his goal of being a part of the NFL.
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Here’s how the NFL world reacted to the league’s decision:
“Dang, kid is running out of options,” Tyler Polumbus wrote on X about Sorsby.
Told you the NFL would set an example with the gambling stuff/Sorsby https://t.co/4XRMWjCnS2
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) June 23, 2026
“Brendan Sorbsy will NOT be in the NFL in 2027 –> This further deepens 2027 NFL quarterback draft class,” Joe Schad said on X.
Dave Helman added, “Well, that’s one way to implement a punishment for gambling.”
This is key: “As Commissioner Goodell has emphasized, participation in the NFL is a privilege that carries with it significant responsibilities, including accountability. By all accounts, you are a talented player with the potential for future success.“ https://t.co/FMxW8FiGhu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 23, 2026
Ian Rapoport said, “In short, based on timing — inability to investigate the gambling issues in time — and the hope to avoid a distraction for teams prior to the season, there will be no draft. There is no other avenue for Sorsby to enter the NFL.”
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“So the Jets-Sorsby speculation can cease. The league takes a strong stance on gambling.” New York Jets reporter Rich Cimini said.
This entire saga needs a Netflix documentary this has been insane https://t.co/AkgoMiglt6
— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) June 23, 2026
“They [NFL] hate this dude,” one account wrote on X about Sorsby.
Another account added, “Kinda crazy how little tolerance all these leagues have for gambling with how much they promote it.”
As reported when he opted to enter the supplemental draft, Sorsby’s eligibility for it had to be approved by NFL. The league once again shows it has zero tolerance for players participating in gambling. https://t.co/NrcmFAuykZ
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) June 23, 2026
Sorsby’s 2025 season at Cincinnati showed why evaluators considered him a legitimate NFL prospect. He completed 61.6% of his passes for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns against just five interceptions, while adding 580 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. According to PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 88.2, ranking 10th in the country.
However, a year off doesn’t mean a death sentence for his draft stock. Ja’Marr Chase opted out of LSU’s entire 2020 season, spent the year training privately, and was still drafted fifth overall by the Bengals in 2021.
Sorsby can use the next 10 months to hold private workouts, prepare for the combine, and put together a strong pro day showing that reminds evaluators of why he was viewed as a potential first-round pick.
The league arguably set an example with Sorsby, and the message was clear that gambling violations carry consequences, even for players who haven’t yet entered the NFL. Whether Sorsby can overcome the stigma and prove he has moved past his addiction will define his draft trajectory over the coming months.
