A Texas district court issued a temporary injunction on Monday that prevents the NCAA from enforcing a gambling-related ban against Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby [1], [2].
The ruling allows Sorsby to remain eligible to play college football while the legal challenge proceeds. This decision creates a significant hurdle for the NCAA's ability to enforce its wagering policies immediately when challenged in state courts.
The legal battle centered on the NCAA's decision to declare Sorsby ineligible after alleging he wagered on college sports [1], [4]. The court in Lubbock, Texas, intervened by granting the injunction, which blocks the enforcement of the ban pending further investigation [4].
While the court has restored Sorsby's eligibility, there are conflicting reports regarding the specific timeline of his return. Some reports indicate he is eligible to play in the 2026 season [3], while other sources suggest the eligibility extends to the fall 2024 season [1].
Following the court's decision, the Big 12 commissioner and athletic directors met to discuss the implications of Sorsby's restored eligibility [5]. The conference must now navigate the intersection of the NCAA's national bylaws and the court's mandate to allow the player to compete.
The NCAA generally prohibits student-athletes from wagering on any sporting event, regardless of whether the athlete has inside information or is participating in the game. The organization has historically maintained strict control over these regulations to protect the integrity of collegiate athletics.
Sorsby's legal team successfully argued for the injunction to prevent immediate harm to the athlete's career before a full trial could determine the validity of the NCAA's ban. The case now moves toward a more permanent resolution as the court examines the evidence regarding the alleged wagering activities.
“A Texas district court issued a temporary injunction that prevents the NCAA from enforcing its gambling-related ban.”
This ruling signals a potential shift in how student-athletes can challenge NCAA eligibility rulings through the judicial system. By securing a temporary injunction, Sorsby has demonstrated that state courts may be willing to pause NCAA sanctions—even those involving gambling—until due process is fully exhausted. This could encourage other athletes to seek legal relief rather than accepting the NCAA's internal adjudication process.
