Trending Now - Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby's Case Sees Judge Recusal
WHO:
On3 - Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech quarterback
On3 - Judge Phillip Hays, presiding judge in the case, Texas Tech alum
On3 - Jeffrey Kessler, antitrust lawyer representing Sorsby
On3 - NCAA, governing body involved in the case
On3 - State gaming commissions in Indiana and Ohio
WHAT:
On3 - Judge Phillip Hays recused himself from the case without providing a reason.
On3 - Sorsby is suing the NCAA to expedite a decision on his eligibility amid an indefinite leave from Texas Tech football due to a gambling addiction.
On3 - Sorsby is requesting an injunction to allow him to play in the 2026 season.
On3 - The NCAA is investigating Sorsby’s alleged gambling activities, including bets on Indiana football games in 2022.
On3 - Sorsby reportedly placed bets using various gambling apps, including Hard Rock Bet, BetMGM, DraftKings, PrizePicks, and bet365.
WHERE:
On3 - Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
On3 - Indiana, where Sorsby allegedly placed bets
WHEN:
NBC Sports - Sorsby’s lawsuit seeks a hearing on his motion for a preliminary injunction by June 15.
NBC Sports - If Sorsby doesn’t regain his eligibility, he’ll have until June 22 to apply for the NFL’s supplemental draft.
On3 - Sorsby is expected to file for reinstatement with the NCAA for the 2026 season.
WHY:
On3 - Sorsby suffers from a “clinically diagnosed” gambling disorder, which is described as a mental health condition.
On3 - The NCAA guidelines state that student-athletes who engage in activities to influence game outcomes or wager on their own games may face permanent loss of eligibility.
HOW:
NBC Sports - The next judge will be selected by Ana Estevez, the presiding judge in the ninth administrative judicial region, which includes Lubbock County.
On3 - Sorsby’s case involves a lawsuit against the NCAA to seek a quicker resolution regarding his eligibility.
On3 - Investigations by state gaming commissions can lead to bans, fines, and referrals to law enforcement based on gambling activities.
(UPDATED May 21, 2026 04:20 UTC)
Sorsby’s lawsuit is set to seek a hearing on his motion for a preliminary injunction by June 15, and if he doesn’t regain his eligibility, he’ll have until June 22 to apply for the NFL’s supplemental draft. The next judge to oversee this case will be selected by Ana Estevez, who is the presiding judge in the ninth administrative judicial region that includes Lubbock County. This legal battle is closely watched as it could significantly impact Sorsby’s future in professional football.
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(UPDATED May 20, 2026 23:25 UTC)
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is suing the NCAA to expedite a decision on his eligibility as he faces an indefinite leave from football due to a gambling addiction, while also requesting an injunction to allow him to play in the upcoming 2026 season. Judge Phillip Hays, a Texas Tech alum, has recused himself from the case, which involves an investigation into Sorsby’s alleged gambling activities, including bets placed on Indiana football games in 2022 using various gambling apps. The NCAA's guidelines indicate that student-athletes who wager on their own games or engage in activities to influence game outcomes may permanently lose their eligibility, and state gaming commissions are also involved, potentially leading to serious consequences for Sorsby.