Legal Issues Regarding Brendan Sorsby's Eligibility at Texas Tech University

May 4, 2026, 19:43
USSports

Introduction

Texas Tech University is currently reviewing whether quarterback Brendan Sorsby is eligible to play, following reports of gambling rule violations during his time at the University of Cincinnati.

Main Body

The situation is complicated because the university has hired Jeffrey Kessler, a lawyer known for winning major cases against the NCAA. Reports suggest that Kessler is trying to reach an agreement with the NCAA so that Sorsby can return to play after a short suspension. This strategy is likely intended to protect a $6 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, Sorsby might decide to enter the NFL supplemental draft, although this is a rare choice for players today. From a sports perspective, if Sorsby cannot play, the team will have to rely on Will Hammond. While some experts believe Hammond is good enough to help the team win a Big 12 conference title, they argue that the team's chances of winning a national championship would decrease. Furthermore, this situation affects the university's broader goals. The 'Saving College Sports' project, led by Cody Campbell, requires the Big 12 to remain competitive against other major conferences to improve their bargaining power. Finally, observers have pointed out that this case is very similar to Hunter Dekkers' gambling issues in 2023, which suggests that the NCAA may impose similar penalties.

Conclusion

The football program remains in a period of uncertainty while it waits for the legal negotiations to end and for a final decision on Sorsby's eligibility.

Learning

🚀 Level Up: From 'Simple' to 'Sophisticated'

An A2 student says: "Sorsby might go to the NFL because he can't play." A B2 student says: "If an agreement cannot be reached, Sorsby might decide to enter the NFL supplemental draft."

What is the secret? Conditional Complexity & Logical Connectors.

💡 The 'Bridge' Concept: Sophisticated Linking

To move to B2, you must stop using only "and," "but," and "because." You need words that show how ideas relate. Look at these gems from the text:

  • "Following reports of..." →\rightarrow Use this instead of "After this happened." It sounds more professional and connects a cause to a result immediately.
  • "Furthermore" →\rightarrow Use this instead of "Also." It signals that you are adding a more important or broader point to your argument.
  • "While [X], they argue [Y]" →\rightarrow This is a power-move. It allows you to acknowledge one fact while simultaneously presenting a counter-argument in a single sentence.

🛠️ Grammar Shift: The 'Hypothetical' Mindset

Notice the phrase: "...this is a rare choice for players today."

At A2, we describe what is. At B2, we describe what could be or might be.

The Pattern: If + [Present Simple], [Subject] + might/would + [Verb]

Example from text: "If Sorsby cannot play, the team will have to rely on Will Hammond."

Pro Tip: Instead of saying "I think," use "Reports suggest that..." or "Observers have pointed out...". This moves you away from simple personal opinion and toward academic analysis—a hallmark of B2 fluency.

Vocabulary Learning

eligible (adj.)
Able to participate or qualify
Example:After the review, the coach confirmed that the player is eligible to return to the team.
complicated (adj.)
Difficult to understand or deal with
Example:The legal situation is complicated because of the multiple parties involved.
lawyer (n.)
A person who practices law
Example:The university hired a lawyer to handle the negotiations.
major (adj.)
Important or significant
Example:The case is a major decision for the university's future.
cases (n.)
Legal actions brought in court
Example:The lawyer has won several cases against the NCAA.
suspension (n.)
Temporary removal from activity
Example:The player faced a short suspension for the violations.
strategy (n.)
A plan of action designed to achieve a goal
Example:The team's strategy involves securing the NIL deal.
intended (adj.)
Planned or meant to happen
Example:The agreement was intended to protect the player's earnings.
protect (v.)
Keep safe from harm or danger
Example:The lawyer aims to protect the player's reputation.
deal (n.)
An agreement or arrangement between parties
Example:The NIL deal is worth $6 million.
rare (adj.)
Uncommon or infrequent
Example:Choosing the supplemental draft is a rare choice for players.
choice (n.)
A decision between alternatives
Example:Sorsby faces the choice of entering the draft or staying.
sports (n.)
Physical activities involving competition
Example:Sports teams rely on strong leadership.
perspective (n.)
A particular point of view or way of looking at something
Example:From a sports perspective, the team needs a backup.
rely (v.)
Depend on or trust in someone or something
Example:The team will have to rely on Will Hammond.
conference (n.)
A group of institutions that compete against each other
Example:The Big 12 conference competes with other leagues.
title (n.)
An official name or designation of a championship
Example:The team aims to win the conference title.
chances (n.)
The probability of something happening
Example:The team's chances of winning the national championship may decrease.
decrease (v.)
To become smaller or less in amount
Example:Their chances of winning may decrease if Sorsby is unavailable.
broader (adj.)
Encompassing more aspects or wider in scope
Example:The university's broader goals include academic excellence.
goals (n.)
Objectives or aims to be achieved
Example:The project aims to achieve greater bargaining power.
project (n.)
A planned activity with a specific purpose
Example:The 'Saving College Sports' project is underway.
competitive (adj.)
Striving to win or be better than others
Example:The Big 12 remains competitive against other conferences.
bargaining (n.)
Negotiating to reach an agreement
Example:Improving bargaining power is a key goal.
power (n.)
The ability or influence to affect outcomes
Example:The university seeks greater power in negotiations.
observers (n.)
People who watch or monitor a situation
Example:Observers noted the similarity to another case.
similar (adj.)
Resembling or having common characteristics
Example:The case is similar to the previous gambling issues.
penalties (n.)
Punishments imposed for violations
Example:The NCAA may impose similar penalties.
period (n.)
A stretch of time with a particular characteristic
Example:The football program is in a period of uncertainty.
uncertainty (n.)
The state of not being certain or known
Example:The team's future is shrouded in uncertainty.
negotiations (n.)
Discussions aimed at reaching an agreement
Example:Legal negotiations are ongoing.
final (adj.)
Last or concluding in a series
Example:The final decision will be announced next week.
decision (n.)
A conclusion or choice made after consideration
Example:The decision will determine the player's eligibility.
quarterback (n.)
The leading player who directs the offense in football
Example:Quarterback Brendan Sorsby is under scrutiny.
supplemental (adj.)
Additional or extra, often used to describe something that supplements
Example:The supplemental draft offers an alternative path.
draft (n.)
A selection process for new players in professional sports
Example:Players enter the draft to join professional teams.
winning (v.)
Achieving victory in a competition
Example:The team is focused on winning the championship.
trying (v.)
Attempting to achieve or accomplish something
Example:The lawyer is trying to reach an agreement.
reach (v.)
To come to a point or agreement
Example:They hope to reach a settlement.
return (v.)
To come back to a previous state or place
Example:Sorsby wants to return to play.
short (adj.)
Brief in duration or extent
Example:He served a short suspension.
name, image, and likeness (phrase)
The rights to a person's name, image, and likeness used for commercial purposes
Example:The NIL deal involves name, image, and likeness rights.
NCAA (n.)
National Collegiate Athletic Association, governing body of college sports
Example:The NCAA sets the rules for college athletics.
NFL (n.)
National Football League, the major professional American football league
Example:The NFL draft is a major event for college players.