LUBBOCK, Texas — A Texas judge on Monday granted a temporary injunction restoring the eligibility of Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby for the 2026 college football season, temporarily blocking an NCAA ruling that had declared him ineligible for gambling on college sports, including bets involving his former team.
Judge Ken Curry issued the order in Lubbock County, finding that Sorsby would face “probable, imminent and irreparable injury” if he were prevented from playing while his lawsuit against the NCAA proceeds through the courts, according to court documents and media reports. The injunction takes effect immediately and prevents the NCAA from stopping Sorsby from practicing or competing for Texas Tech this season.
As part of the ruling, Sorsby must serve a two-game suspension at the start of the season, a penalty previously proposed by his legal team. He is expected to miss games against Abilene Christian and Oregon State before becoming eligible to return.
The decision came days after the NCAA denied Texas Tech’s second appeal seeking reinstatement for the transfer quarterback. The NCAA had ruled Sorsby permanently ineligible after he acknowledged placing sports wagers while attending Indiana and later Cincinnati. Some of those wagers involved Indiana football while he was a member of the program, according to court filings and reports.
Court records cited by multiple outlets indicate that Sorsby admitted placing thousands of bets over several years through accounts belonging to friends and family members. His attorneys argued that continued ineligibility would significantly harm his football career and future professional opportunities. They also told the court that Sorsby entered treatment for gambling addiction earlier this year and has continued counseling.
“This is a just result,” attorney Jeffrey Kessler said in a statement reported by several media outlets. Kessler added that Sorsby would continue treatment and work to educate others about the risks associated with gambling addiction.
The NCAA opposed the injunction and argued that enforcement of its gambling rules is necessary to protect the integrity of college sports. The organization has not indicated whether it will immediately appeal the ruling, though reports said such an option remains available under Texas law.
Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech after two seasons at Cincinnati and had been expected to compete for the starting quarterback position. Monday’s ruling allows him to participate in the 2026 season while his legal challenge against the NCAA continues.
