Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire confirmed at Big 12 Media Days that he would have advised quarterback Brendan Sorsby to enter the NFL supplemental draft earlier had he foreseen the administrative and legal opposition the school would face. The attempt to field Sorsby following his gambling addiction recovery triggered a 15-1 coalition of opposition among Big 12 schools and a standoff with the NFL, ultimately leaving the player without a path to compete at the collegiate or professional level for the current season.
Why did Texas Tech’s strategy regarding Brendan Sorsby fail?
Texas Tech’s effort to integrate Sorsby onto the roster relied on a public-facing campaign directed at the school’s fanbase. According to McGuire, the university utilized a 20-minute social media video and letters from athletic director Kirby Hocutt and board of regents chairman Cody Campbell to frame the situation. However, the school miscalculated the reaction from the broader administrative class in college athletics.
The resistance was swift and widespread. Nebraska, for example, internally committed to refusing future matchups with the Red Raiders in any sport. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark maintained a united front against the move, and the resulting legal threats—which included the Texas attorney general—led to a broader conflict that stalled the NFL’s ability to formally vet Sorsby. Consequently, Sorsby was denied entry into the CFL and went unselected in the NFL supplemental draft.
While the school faced intense scrutiny for its handling of the Sorsby saga, Texas Tech has confirmed it will continue to support the quarterback’s recovery from gambling addiction and will not seek to recoup the funds paid to him via a revenue-sharing agreement.
How did the injury to Will Hammond change team planning?
The pursuit of Sorsby was driven by concerns over depth following an injury to Will Hammond. Hammond, the backup who saw playing time behind an injured Behren Morton last season, suffered an ACL injury in late 2025 that required a nine-month recovery period. McGuire explained that the decision to bring in a veteran like Sorsby was a protective measure for the roster.
“I would have brought in a vet, just because that’s such a young room,” McGuire told CBS Sports. The coach noted that the high financial investment in modern rosters necessitates contingency planning when key players face significant injuries. McGuire expects Hammond to be fully cleared by August 21 and confirmed the player has already begun participating in player-led seven-on-seven drills.
What is the future for Brendan Sorsby?
Despite the failed eligibility bid, Sorsby remains in contact with the Texas Tech program. He is currently training in Dallas for the upcoming April NFL Draft and is expected to visit Lubbock periodically. McGuire maintains an open-door policy, emphasizing the long-term nature of the coach-player relationship.
McGuire expressed hope for Sorsby’s professional trajectory, telling CBS Sports, “I expect and hope whenever he’s a starting quarterback for an NFL team, and it’s on a Monday Night Football, it’s ‘Brendan Sorsby, starting quarterback for whatever team, Texas Tech University’.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Brendan Sorsby play for Texas Tech this season? No. Due to the legal and administrative opposition from the Big 12 and other institutions, he is effectively sidelined from competitive play for the year.
- Why did Texas Tech pursue Sorsby? The school sought to add a veteran quarterback to protect the roster while Will Hammond recovered from an ACL injury.
- Is Texas Tech still supporting Sorsby? Yes. According to the school, they remain committed to his recovery from gambling addiction and have no intention of reclaiming his previous earnings.
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