Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is at the centre of attention for NFL teams, though not for the usual reasons.
Sorsby is involved in a gambling scandal and must decide whether to enter this summer’s supplemental draft. Alternatively, he could risk his chance to play another college season through an appeal process before entering the 2027 NFL Draft.
NFL Teams Scramble for Information
Sorsby’s draft stock depends on the investigation into the allegations. Teams are trying to gather as much information as possible. A high-ranking team executive questioned whether the situation was a relatively minor infraction or something more serious.
Sorsby has requested an expedited appeal process.
He has also taken an indefinite leave of absence to enter a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction.
Draft Potential and Concerns
Sorsby is under investigation by the NCAA for allegedly betting on Indiana football games in 2022, when he was a redshirt freshman for the team. He is also the subject of an integrity investigation by Ohio gambling officials, due to his time at Cincinnati.
Sorsby has retained lawyer Jeffrey Kessler for a potential eligibility battle if he attempts to play another college season.
An executive said that Sorsby is in the conversation for the top two rounds next year in the draft. Scouts were excited to evaluate him and saw steady progression.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Sorsby is a physically gifted passer with a strong arm. He’s also mobile enough to extend plays. Evaluators want to see Sorsby improve his efficiency, decision-making and accuracy.
Multiple evaluators believe it is plausible Sorsby would have been drafted ahead of Ty Simpson, who went No. 13 to the Los Angeles Rams, if he was part of the 2026 class. The evaluators were granted anonymity in exchange for their candour in discussing a prospect who is not yet draft-eligible.
Shock Over Allegations
Three NFL executives and one college coach whose program was interested in Sorsby in the transfer portal expressed shock over the allegations. They hadn’t previously been aware of any character concerns.
Teams want to understand the scope of the betting. Was he laying down a few dollars here on sporadic prop
Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore are considered the two best quarterbacks in the 2027 class, and Sorsby has been viewed among the second tier of prospects. There’s cautious optimism that the upcoming class will be flush with more first-round QB talent than the past two drafts.
Sorsby would greatly benefit from a strong 2026 season, and he was set up to thrive with Texas Tech’s big-money roster. That’s now in jeopardy.