Texas Tech and Brendan Sorsby have understandably been on the receiving end of tremendous backlash since last week’s shocking ruling by a Texas judge that granted Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA that would’ve allowed him to play for the Red Raiders in 2026 after serving a two-game suspension.
Sorsby had previously been ruled ineligible by the NCAA after an investigation had discovered that he had bet around $90,000 on pro and college games over a four-year stretch, including 40 bets involving the 2022 Indiana Hoosiers team that he played for.
But after a week of uproar from so many in the college football community, including a federal lawsuit filed Monday by the Big 12 seeking a judgement that would allow the league to punish Sorsby, the quarterback decided to end all of the drama. He’s leaving Texas Tech and will enter the NFL supplemental draft that’ll take place later this summer.
Cody Campbell, the chairman of the Texas Tech board of regents, announced Monday night that Sorsby would “not be part of the Texas Tech football team this fall” in a lengthy statement released on his Twitter account.
Campbell also mentioned that the school would not “seek the return” of money paid to Sorsby via his NIL agreement that was reportedly around $5 million.
“I am grateful for the support from my family, my Tech coaching staff, teammates, the community, and so many others who have encouraged me to address and learn more about this important issue,” Sorsby said in a statement Monday night. “As my journey continues, I remain fully committed to and focused on being the best I can be, both on and off the field.”
Sorsby entered a gambling rehab facility in Arizona for 35 days back in late April.
Without Sorsby, Will Hammond will be Texas Tech’s likely starting quarterback when he’s healthy. However, he’s still recovering from a torn ACL sustained on Oct. 25.
If Hammond isn’t ready for the Red Raiders’ opener at home vs. Abilene Christian on Sept. 5, the likely starter will be Tulsa transfer QB Kirk Francis. In three seasons with the Golden Hurricane, Francis started 12 times in 18 appearances. He has a 5-7 record as a starter.
Francis has completed 270-of-462 passes (58.4%) for 3,045 career passing yards with an 18/13 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
In two seasons at Texas Tech, Hammond has made three starts in 12 games. The Red Raiders are 1-2 in his three starts, though, including last year’s 26-22 loss at Arizona St. as seven-point road favorites.
Hammond played in Texas Tech’s first eight games of 2025 before getting injured. He connected on 69-of-109 throws (63.3%) for 680 yards with a 7/3 TD-INT ratio.
Hammond added 299 rushing yards and five TDs while averaging 7.0 yards per carry. He has a 9/5 career TD-INT ratio and seven career rushing TDs.
FanDuel had Texas Tech with 16/1 odds to win the College Football Playoff last week. That number has been moved to 20/1. The book had the Red Raiders’ season win total at 10.5 but with -300 juice toward the ‘over.’
FanDuel still has Texas Tech’s number at 10.5, but the juice on the ‘over’ has been reduced to -220. Bettors looking to take the ‘under’ can get a +176 payout. The Red Raiders are even-money favorites to win the Big 12 Championship Game.