In a candid interview that will appear in Paramount+’s four‑part series The Program: Texas Tech, former Red Raiders quarterback Brendan Sorsby opened up about a multi‑year betting habit that spanned his time at Indiana, Cincinnati and Texas Tech. Sorsby, who entered the Lubbock program via the transfer portal earlier this year, said he feels “a ton of remorse and a ton of regret” for the choices that jeopardized his football future.
Betting history and NCAA sanctions
Sorsby admitted he began betting as a senior in high school, initially playing blackjack at a casino before moving to sports wagers. He placed at least 40 bets on Indiana football as a freshman in 2022 and, over a four‑year stretch, made more than 9,000 wagers costing over $90,000 on both professional and college games. The NCAA ultimately classified his activity at Cincinnati as a Level III violation—an “isolated or limited” breach that carries penalties for the student‑athlete but not for the institution.
Impact on Texas Tech and the documentary
The series shows the Red Raiders’ administration and coaching staff wrestling with the fallout. After a court order cleared Sorsby to play in 2026, head coach Joey McGuire and the team celebrated. However, a subsequent Big 12 lawsuit against Texas Tech created an insurmountable hurdle, prompting the university to deem Sorsby ineligible. Sorsby recalled the moment he learned of the legal setback: “I was on the phone with my parents and agent, bawling my eyes out… I felt like I threw everything I’ve worked for my entire life out the window.” He described a tear‑filled meeting with Coach McGuire, emphasizing the personal toll the situation has taken on both men.
Attempts to reach the NFL
With college eligibility off the table, Sorsby pursued a direct route to the NFL in June. The league denied his petition for the supplemental draft, criticizing his lack of personal accountability and questioning how he would adhere to the NFL’s integrity policies. The NFL also declined to hold a supplemental draft, ruling that Sorsby cannot join as a free agent this season and urging him to prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Local reaction and broader implications
Texas Tech fans and Lubbock residents have expressed mixed feelings. Some appreciate Sorsby’s honesty and view his remorse as a step toward redemption, while others worry about the precedent set by allowing a player with a documented betting record to return to the field. The situation underscores ongoing debates about student‑athlete conduct, NCAA enforcement, and the role of collegiate programs in monitoring off‑field behavior.
Looking ahead
As the documentary airs, it will likely spark further conversation about the balance between second chances and accountability in college athletics. For now, Sorsby remains focused on personal growth, family support, and the hope of one day earning a spot on an NFL roster.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
