Former college quarterback Brendan Sorsby will not pursue litigation against the NFL to gain league entry, opting instead to prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft. Sorsby, who admitted to gambling on college and professional sports, including games involving his own team while a practice squad player at Indiana, had hoped to enter the NFL via the supplemental draft. The NFL's decision to not conduct a supplemental draft this season closed that potential pathway.
Sorsby and the NFL Players Association announced Tuesday that they would not be proceeding with legal action. A memo obtained by the Daily Mail indicated a settlement had been reached, stating Sorsby will be considered draft-eligible for 2027 and will not be eligible to sign an NFL contract until after the 2027 draft concludes. The NFL will not discipline Sorsby for currently known past misconduct but reserves the right to investigate further and to consider his college actions in any future violations.
Sorsby issued a statement accepting responsibility for his gambling problem, noting he has sought help and is focused on recovery. He expressed commitment to self-improvement and preparing for the 2027 draft.
Previously, Sorsby was deemed ineligible by the NCAA after his gambling activities came to light. He sued the NCAA, obtaining a temporary injunction in Texas that allowed him to play at Texas Tech. This legal action prompted challenges from other college athletics departments and the Big XII Conference. In response to a federal court filing by the conference, Sorsby withdrew his lawsuit against the NCAA and declared for the supplemental draft.
Sorsby's options for playing professionally remain limited. The Canadian Football League previously banned him from joining any team for the upcoming season, citing concerns for league integrity. The UFL has extended an offer to join the Dallas Renegades, with lead owner Mike Repole publicly inviting Sorsby to consider the opportunity.