Texas Tech Stands Firm Over Sorsby’s Return

The Red Raiders have spoken out about a quarterback named Brendan Sorsby who is set to play next season after a court order cleared him. The university’s top officials—athletic director Kirby Hocutt, coach Joey McGuire, president Lawrence Schovanec, and senior associate AD Grant Stovall—recorded a video to explain their decision. They say the school’s systems are in place to keep the game fair and that Sorsby has shown he is ready for a comeback. Sorsby was ruled ineligible by the NCAA because of 40 betting claims tied to his freshman year with Indiana. A Texas judge gave him a temporary injunction that lets him play in 2026, but the NCAA has appealed. He will miss the first two games of the season against Abilene Christian and Oregon State. Several other Big 12 schools have voiced concerns, and the league’s leaders are meeting to decide whether Texas Tech should face penalties.In their video, the officials highlight Sorsby’s past gambling and anxiety issues, his time in a 35‑day rehab program, and the steps taken to prevent future problems. They mention software installed on his phone that blocks online betting sites and ongoing therapy both individually and in groups. Coach McGuire said the injunction lifted a heavy burden for Sorsby, and he praised the player’s commitment to stay on track. The university stresses that it did not influence the legal ruling, but it accepts the judge’s decision as legitimate. President Schovanec said Sorsby made a mistake, but the school believes it is unfair to deny him a chance to pursue his dream. He noted that many athletes face new challenges today and should be given a fair opportunity to recover and succeed. The Red Raiders want the public to see that they are focused on integrity, recovery, and giving athletes a second chance while protecting the sport’s fairness.