The NCAA has initiated an investigation into the University of Cincinnati concerning former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, marking a significant development in a gambling controversy that has already implicated Texas Tech, the Big 12, the NFL, and the legal system.
According to a report by Yahoo Sports, the NCAA recently dispatched a letter of inquiry to Cincinnati regarding Sorsby's involvement with the institution. Such letters are typically routine and do not imply that formal charges have been filed. However, they usually signify the commencement of an investigation into potential violations of regulations.
This inquiry follows claims made by Sorsby’s agent, Ron Slavin, who alleged that officials at Cincinnati were aware of Sorsby’s gambling activities. The university has consistently refuted these allegations.
The investigation adds a new layer to a case that initially focused on Sorsby’s eligibility before evolving into discussions about his prospects for continuing his football career at either the college or professional level after the NCAA declared him permanently ineligible.
With this latest development, attention now turns to the university’s oversight responsibilities and whether officials acted appropriately when concerns regarding Sorsby’s gambling activities were raised.
Sorsby reportedly placed tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized bets. The NCAA ruled him permanently ineligible after determining that he had engaged in impermissible sports betting while competing as a college athlete.
He admitted to wagering approximately $90,000 over a four-year period as a college player, including at least 165 bets totaling around $38,000 during 2024 while at Cincinnati. This included three bets on Cincinnati men’s basketball games made through a shared betting account.
The case has expanded beyond just Sorsby’s eligibility. Recently, a Texas judge granted him a temporary injunction that would have allowed him to play at Texas Tech despite the NCAA's ruling. However, Sorsby opted to pursue the NFL supplemental draft and subsequently dropped his lawsuit against the NCAA.
Ultimately, the NFL decided not to conduct a supplemental draft, effectively squashing Sorsby’s chances of playing professionally in the 2026 season.
In a separate matter, the Big 12 has filed a lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton regarding the conference's ability to impose penalties on Sorsby. This lawsuit remains active despite Sorsby voluntarily dismissing his case against the NCAA and foregoing his final season of college eligibility.
Furthermore, Cincinnati has filed a lawsuit against Sorsby for allegedly violating an NIL agreement after he transferred to Texas Tech.
This inquiry shifts the focus from a player eligibility dispute to a broader investigation into institutional accountability within college sports.