QB Brendan Sorsby Granted Injunction by Texas Judge

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Jun 10, 2026, 9:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

QB Brendan Sorsby Granted Injunction by Texas Judge

ncaaf

A Texas court has granted Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction that allows him to compete in the 2026 college football season. The ruling overrides an NCAA decision that previously declared him ineligible due to extensive sports betting violations. As a result, the case has become a major legal development in NCAA Football governance and athlete discipline.

Sorsby's legal team, led by high-profile sports attorney Jeffrey Kessler, argued that the NCAA's punishment was excessive and premature while litigation remains ongoing. Moreover, the court agreed that immediate enforcement of the ban could cause significant and irreversible damage to Sorsby's career trajectory.

Texas Court Rules in Favor of Sorsby and Issues Injunction

Judge Ken Curry of the Texas district court issued the preliminary injunction after reviewing evidence from both sides. He ruled that Sorsby would face "irreparable harm" if the NCAA's suspension remained in place during the ongoing legal process.

Specifically, the court noted that harm would include the loss of elite Division I training opportunities at Texas Tech. In addition, the judge highlighted potential damage to Sorsby's professional future, including his eligibility and positioning for the upcoming NFL Supplemental Draft, which has a strict June 22 deadline.

Sorsby was initially ruled ineligible after NCAA investigators found he had placed approximately $90,000 in sports wagers over multiple years. Reports also indicate that some wagers involved his former team during his time at Indiana. However, his attorneys emphasized that he has since entered gambling addiction treatment and complied with counseling requirements.

Under the court order, Sorsby will remain eligible for the 2026 season but must serve a two-game suspension. He will miss Texas Tech's opening games against Abilene Christian and Oregon State. Afterward, he will return for the Big 12 opener against Houston, assuming no further legal setbacks occur.

NCAA Response and Appeal Against the Ruling

The NCAA immediately filed an appeal after Judge Ken Curry granted the injunction, maintaining that the decision undermines its enforcement authority in college athletics. In an official statement, the organization said, 

"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 of sports."

NCAA President Charlie Baker also expressed strong opposition to the ruling. He said, 

"I spent eight years as governor of Massachusetts and three years and change in this job. This was pretty much a new low and I'll leave it at that." 

Baker has consistently been an outspoken critic of sports gambling expansion and its impact on college athletics, arguing that it creates serious challenges for both administrators and student-athletes. 

He is also among several major college sports leaders who have condemned the idea of Sorsby being permitted to play in the 2026 season while his case remains unresolved.

Broader Impact on College Sports

The injunction has already sparked debate across college athletics. Some schools and conferences have reportedly considered distancing themselves from Texas Tech due to concerns over competitive integrity and potential precedent-setting effects.

At the same time, Big 12 officials continue to monitor the situation closely. 

Meanwhile, supporters of Sorsby argue that the ruling appropriately balances accountability with rehabilitation, particularly given his documented gambling treatment efforts.

Advocates also stress that permanent exclusion from competition may not align with modern approaches to addiction recovery and athlete welfare. As a result, the case has become a focal point in broader discussions about NCAA enforcement standards.

Impact on US Online Sportsbooks

The ruling also carries implications for US online sportsbooks, which continue to expand into regulated state markets. Operators are expected to strengthen monitoring systems that detect unusual wagering patterns tied to collegiate athletes.

In addition, sportsbooks may face increased compliance expectations as regulators seek to prevent similar incidents. The case reinforces how closely NCAA Football picks markets and betting activity are now intertwined with athlete oversight, while also influencing perceptions tied to NCAA Football odds integrity.

What Happens Next in the Case

Looking forward, the NCAA's appeal will continue through the legal system while Sorsby remains eligible to play under court protection. However, a final ruling may not be delivered until after the 2026 season concludes, leaving ongoing uncertainty.

If the injunction stands, Sorsby will effectively participate in the full season following his initial suspension. Consequently, the upcoming NCAA Football campaign could see continued legal and competitive uncertainty as programs adjust to shifting eligibility rulings tied to court intervention.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.