NFL denies Brendan Sorsby’s application, won’t hold supplemental draft in 2026

Key Points:

• The NFL has denied Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s application to enter the 2026 supplemental draft, citing significant integrity concerns related to his NCAA gambling violations and lack of supporting documentation for his petition.
• Sorsby, who admitted to wagering over $90,000 on thousands of bets during his college career—including bets on his own team—was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, and his lawsuit challenging this ruling was dismissed with prejudice.
• The NFL letter emphasized the league’s sole discretion to hold a supplemental draft only if eligible players apply, and noted that Sorsby’s petition came late, lacked accountability for his conduct, and did not address adherence to NFL integrity policies.
• Sorsby’s legal team plans to challenge the NFL’s decision through the NFL Players Association, though it is unclear if the union will intervene, as players typically gain representation only after being drafted or signing with a team.
• Texas Tech will continue supporting Sorsby’s recovery efforts but confirmed he will not be part of the football team in the fall; the NFL encouraged him to prepare for the 2027 regular draft, as he cannot sign with a team until then.