Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to Play in 2026: What Injunction Against NCAA Means for Red Raiders
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby was granted an injunction against the NCAA on Monday and is set to play for the Red Raiders in 2026. The senior quarterback was ruled ineligible earlier this offseason after an investigation found he gambled on sports during stints at Indiana and Cincinnati. Sorsby admitted to gambling on his own team during his time with the Hoosiers. The NCAA recently denied Sorsby's appeal to play this fall, but this injunction clears the Cincinnati transfer to suit up.
In the ruling issued by district judge Ken Curry, he indicated Sorsby "demonstrated that he will suffer a probable, imminent, and irreparable injury if this Court does not issue this temporary injunction because he will be unable to participate as a member of Texas Tech University's 2026 Football season."
Here is the full injunction from the Lubbock District judge pic.twitter.com/1m9TNGdXTk
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) June 8, 2026
The NCAA is likely to appeal the decision by district judge Ken Curry. Barring this ruling being overturned on appeal, Sorsby will miss the first two games of the season and return for Texas Tech's Week 3 matchup against Houston. Although Sorsby is expected to rank among the Big 12's top quarterbacks, his absence shouldn't be a huge issue for the Red Raiders against Abilene Christian in Week 1 and a road trip to Oregon State in Week 2.
NCAA Statement regarding ruling in Sorsby case:
— NCAA News (@NCAA_PR) June 8, 2026
"The NCAA strongly disagrees with the court's ruling in Sorsby's case and is deeply concerned about the damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications of this outcome - which undermines and corrupts the integrity…
What This Means for Brendan Sorsby
It's likely a surprise Sorsby received an injunction to play this fall. But what's not surprising is what Sorsby can bring to the field for Texas Tech in ‘26. Also, this clearly solidifies the Red Raiders as the team to beat in the Big 12. Although he's slated to miss the first two games, Texas Tech is a heavy favorite to beat both Abilene Christian and Oregon State. Having Sorsby back for the third game of '26 - a massive conference matchup against Houston - is critical for coach Joey McGuire's team, especially with an early chance to make a statement in Big 12 action.
The former Indiana and Cincinnati signal-caller was among the top-rated transfers after throwing for 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns to just seven picks and rushing for 580 yards and nine scores with the Bearcats last year.
Sorsby should be an upgrade over last season's starter Behren Morton. The combination of arm talent and mobility should push Sorsby into the mix to rank among the top 10-15 quarterbacks in the nation.
Will Hammond would've been a solid starter if he was pressed into action. However, there's no doubt the Red Raiders are better off with Sorsby under center. And the senior won't lack motivation after a chaotic offseason, especially with a chance to improve his NFL Draft stock.
Also, Sorsby's return gives Hammond additional time to heal from a knee injury suffered in ‘25. The sophomore can slide back into the No. 2 role and can benefit from more time to knock off the rust.
Related: Athlon Sports 2026 College Football Preview Magazine Available Now
Related: Big 12 Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2026
Related: Ranking the Big 12's College Football Coaches for 2026
Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 11:20 AM.