This past week, Texas Tech has been under fire from just about everyone in the college football space. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby was controversially given back his eligibility after a Texas court granted his preliminary injunction against the NCAA. Save for a two-game suspension, there is no other serious punishment on the QB, who bet on at least 40 games.

But things change.

Following the backlash, Sorsby has applied to the NFL Supplemental Draft ahead of the 2026 season, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He and Texas Tech have parted ways, per On3’s Pete Nakos, ending one of the most controversial battles we’ve seen in recent years over eligibility.

Sorsby faced too much heat from the college football world to stay with Texas Tech

When Judge Ken Curry granted the injunction, it automatically cleared the way for Sorsby to suit up for Texas Tech in the fall. The QB seemingly got away with only a slap on the wrist, with the two-game suspension being suggested by his own counsel. That is not a good look for a player who had to check himself into rehab for his gambling addiction, having placed approximately $90,000 in wagers.

The ruling immediately triggered backlash across college athletic programs. Reports surfaced that several Big 12 programs discussed boycotting games against Texas Tech, while schools such as Georgia and Nebraska reportedly halted plans to schedule future games against the Red Raiders. The NCAA pointed to the case as an example of why it believes federal legislation is needed to protect collegiate athletics.

Sorsby was ruled ineligible after an investigation determined that he gambled on Indiana games while being an active player on the roster. He did not play in those games, but per NCAA rules, it is one of the most serious violations an athlete could find themselves in.

Before the controversy, Sorsby was looking at a potentially great career. He transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, and was expected to earn more than $5 million in NIL compensation. This offseason, he was the No. 2 player in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. Per ESPN, an AFC executive said that Sorsby could have been a late first-roud pick, if he had declared for the draft this year.

After news of the controversy broke out, his NFL future had become massively uncertain. Rather than risk losing his eligibility, Sorsby chose to enter the supplemental draft, his only hope of having an NFL career.

How does an NFL Supplemental Draft Work

It’s a lot different than the normal NFL draft, but the same in some ways. The Supplemental Draft uses a weighted lottery system to establish the draft order.

Teams interested in a player submit bids with the round they are willing to surrender in the following year’s draft. If a team submits the highest bid for a player, it acquires that player and forfeits the corresponding selection in the next NFL draft.

For example, a team submitting a third-round pick for Sorsby would lose its third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft if awarded his rights.

If multiple bids come in, they are grouped in three categories: teams with less than six wins, teams that have more than 7 wins but missed the playoffs, and the rest. If no team places a bid, Sorsby becomes an undrafted free agent and could sign with any franchise.

The NFL hasn’t had a Supplemental draft since 2023, and no player has been selected through the process since safety Jalen Thompson was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. No quarterback has been selected since Terrelle Pryor in 2011.

What Makes Sorsby an NFL Prospect

There’s intrigue in Sorsby, and there should be. He likely would’ve been a first-round pick in the 2026 draft if he declared, potentially being the first-overall pick over Fernando Mendoza.

In the 2025 season at Cincinnati, he threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions while posting an 81.5 QBR, ranking 11th nationally. He also added 610 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.

Sorsby has the arm strength and overall talent to make any downfield throw. He loves to fire balls down the seam and outside the numbers and can do it off-platform. He has real athleticism outside the pocket, and mixing that with his quick release, he can create chaos for defenses. He also has the processing speed to fire underneath routes on time when defenders give him those options; he knows how to keep the chains moving.

With traits like that, you can assume Sorsby gets overconfident. There are questionable decisions on his tape, and you can see the confidence work against him. Sorsby has a real tendency to force throws into tight windows, leading to avoidable mistakes. But with time, the Red Raiders quarterback looks like someone who could eventually be a strater some day.

Which NFL Teams could be Interested?

Obviously, quarterback-needy teams are the ones paying close attention to the Sorsby situation.

Teams like the Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings are all real landing spots for Sorsby.

Some franchises are searching for a future starter, while others may just view Sorsby as a high-upside developmental option. Regardless of the role, his combination of arm talent, mobility and age is likely to generate interest. According to reports, NFL executives believe Sorsby carries second-round value in the Supplemental Draft.

The NFL has to approve Sorsby’s application before a Supplemental Draft can officially take place. If approved, he will become one of the most intriguing players ever to enter the process. While questions surrounding his gambling history will remain part of the evaluation, few doubt his football ability.