Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing questions after a top Texas Tech booster donated a substantial sum to Paxton's Senate campaign committee just one day before the AG sent a letter to the Big 12 conference. The letter warned that sanctioning Texas Tech over the eligibility of quarterback Brendan Sorsby could result in at least $200 million in damages and fees for the conference.
Cody Campbell, identified as the Texas Tech Board of Regents chairman and a significant booster, contributed $274,300 to the Paxton Victory fundraising committee on June 10. FEC records, first reported by the Texas Tribune, confirm this donation. Paxton's letter to the Big 12 was dated June 11.
The dispute began after the NCAA ruled Sorsby ineligible in May. He admitted to placing thousands of online bets, with at least 40 involving Indiana football while he was a player there, though he did not participate in those games. Sorsby, 22, subsequently sued and obtained a temporary injunction from a Texas judge on June 8, which restored his eligibility, albeit with a two-game suspension.
In response to Paxton's warning, the Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit on June 14 against Paxton, Texas Tech, and school officials. The conference sought a declaratory judgment affirming its First Amendment right to enforce its bylaws and sanction the school.
Following the Big 12's lawsuit, Sorsby withdrew his own legal action and declared for the NFL supplemental draft. However, the league did not conduct a supplemental draft, meaning he must now await the 2027 NFL Draft to enter the league. Sorsby was previously Cincinnati's starting quarterback for two seasons, throwing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 12 games in 2025, along with 580 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
Campbell declined to comment when approached by the Texas Tribune. Representatives for Paxton's campaign and Texas Tech did not respond to requests for comment. Paxton, the Republican nominee for the Texas U.S. Senate seat, is scheduled to face Democratic nominee James Talarico in the November election.