Brendan Sorsby files injunction vs. NCAA: Texas Tech QB seeks 2026 eligibility amid gambling probe

The Texas Tech signal-caller took an indefinite hiatus from the team in April to seek treatment for gambling addiction

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has filed an injunction against the NCAA seeking immediate eligibility for the 2026 college football season.

Sorsby has retained Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney who won an historic victory in House v. NCAA, to fight the governing body's gambling investigation into his recent betting activity. The legal team is seeking a resolution to the case by June 15, a week ahead of the June 22 declaration deadline for the NFL Supplemental Draft.

The NCAA opened an investigation into Sorsbey after he allegedly placed various bets on sporting events during his career at Indiana. Sorsby is on an indefinite leave of absence from the football program to seek treatment for gambling addiction. The NCAA has yet to rule on the case, but Sorsby's injunction claims he is "currently ineligible to play for Texas Tech due to prior violations of the NCAA's sports gambling rules."

The filing argues that Sorsby suffers from a "mental health condition" and has been "clinically diagnosed" with a gambling addiction.

"The NCAA has weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity, while simultaneously profiting from the very gambling ecosystem it polices," the injunction reads. 

One of the top-rated players in the transfer portal this cycle, the former Cincinnati quarterback was ranked as the No. 2 overall player after throwing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Bearcats last season.

"We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help," Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said in a statement after Sorsby announced he was stepping away from the program to get help this spring. "Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health."

McGuire revealed Monday that Sorsby's projected backup, Will Hammond, is expected to be cleared for all football activities on August. 21 and would ideally be ready to go for the Red Raiders' Week 3 Big 12 opener against Houston. 

Hammond was an integral part of last year's conference title-winning team as the first player off the bench behind Behren Morton. He threw for 680 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions last season as a redshirt freshman over eight appearances, including a pair of starts. He also rushed for 299 yards and five scores.

CBS Sports will update this story as more information becomes available.