Brendan Sorsby hires prominent attorney in NCAA eligibility fight

1 1 minute read

Brandon Sorsby Retains Legal Counsel in NCAA Eligibility Battle

It has been a tumultuous week for Texas Tech quarterback Brandon Sorsby, and the latest development in his saga involves hiring prominent attorney Jeffrey Kessler to help him navigate his legal challenges in a bid to retain his college eligibility, as reported by ESPN over the weekend.

Jeffrey Kessler is renowned for his work in antitrust and sports law, having represented high-profile clients such as the NFLPA in cases against the NFL. His track record includes successful litigation against the NCAA’s regulations on student-athlete compensation.

Brendan Sorsby #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders – Ron Jenkins/Getty Images for ONIT

Sorsby’s troubles began with Texas Tech announcing his decision to seek treatment for a gambling addiction, coinciding with reports of an NCAA investigation into his alleged violations of the gambling policy. The allegations suggest that Sorsby placed numerous bets, including on games involving his own team, dating back to his time at Indiana in 2022.

The scandal has now expanded to involve implications for both Texas Tech and Cincinnati, Sorsby’s former team. USA Today revealed that Cincinnati was aware of Sorsby’s gambling history before the 2025 season commenced but chose not to bench him.

Attorney Jeffrey Kessler exits court in 2015 – John M. Mantel

In addition to his NCAA troubles, Sorsby is embroiled in a legal dispute with Cincinnati, which is seeking to recover $1 million from him following his transfer to Texas Tech for a reported $5 million NIL deal.

If the NCAA finds Sorsby guilty of violating its gambling policy, especially by betting on his own team, he risks losing his college eligibility. Should he become ineligible, Sorsby may consider declaring for the NFL’s supplemental draft, with a deadline set for June 30, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.