On May 8, a top 2027 NFL Draft prospect came under NCAA investigation tied to a gambling addiction. Despite the issues, four NFL teams are willing to sign the Texas Tech QB, surprising the league and analysts alike. 

During a recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Eisen and NFL Insider Albert Breer discussed the Brendan Sorsby eligibility crisis in detail.

Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby has been suggested as a Supplemental Draft Pick for 2026. This would only happen if the NCAA does not revoke his eligibility. He is currently undergoing residential treatment for gambling addiction.

“But I cannot believe that the first supplemental draft choice in seven years will most likely be used in this quarterback-needy league", Eisen said.

He also discussed how NFL teams still prioritized quarterback talent despite concerns surrounding the players’ legal and behavioral issues.

The last player selected in the NFL Supplemental Draft was Jalen Thompson. The Arizona Cardinals chose him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. 

NFL Insider Alber Breer identified the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Miami Dolphins as the teams actively monitoring the situation.

His elite arm talent makes the teams offer a second-round pick. Without the scandal, he likely would have entered the 2027 NFL Draft as the first overall pick.

Sorsby lives up to Eisen's claim of ‘talent over everything’ with his production in his collegiate career. He completed 207 of 336 passes, throwing for 2,800 yards and 36 total touchdowns in 12 games played in 2025.

The Jets are evaluating Sorsby for a long-term option, as Geno Smith serves as a low-cost bridge starter. According to ESPN's Tony Grossi, the Browns are putting in the work due to Sorsby's athleticism and arm talent.

The Dolphins are evaluating Sorsby to be a high-upside developmental option behind Malik Willis. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are seeking prospective QB options, despite drafting Miami QB Carson Beck.

Despite the off-field controversy, Sorsby’s talent continues to attract serious NFL interest.

Sorsby Investigated by Ohio State Gambling Regulators

The University of Cincinnati filed a lawsuit against Sorsby for allegedly breaching an 18-month, multimillion-dollar NIL contract. 

According to a report from The Athletic, he has been placed under NCAA investigation after allegedly placing thousands of online sports bets on multiple sportsbook apps.

Reportedly, some of the wagers were made on Indiana football games. He was an active member of the team from 2022-2023, which directly violates the NCAA rules, permanently impacting his college eligibility.

The suit filed by the University of Cincinnati seeks $1 million in liquidated damages, as he transferred to Texas Tech before his contract expiry in 2026. He is also sued for allowing Texas Tech to use his likeness on a Times Square billboard.

However, Sorsby is represented by sports law attorney Jeffrey Kessler in a bid to claim his college eligibility. If his loses his lawsuit, the NFL Supplemental draft becomes the next viable step, as Breer explained. 

With his college eligibility and legal situation both under scrutiny, Sorsby’s future may ultimately depend on the NCAA's ruling.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rishab Nandi