Brendan Sorsby, the former Texas Tech quarterback, is finally opening up about the gambling addiction and betting scandal that ripped his college career apart. He’s talking about “a ton of regret” over his actions, a stark admission revealed in advance copies of “The Program,” a four-part Paramount+ documentary series about Texas Tech football. This isn’t just a story, it’s a gut-punch reminder of how fast things can go wrong.
The “Dopamine Hit” That Cost Him Everything
Sorsby’s gambling started way before college, heading from Denton to Oklahoma after turning 18 to bet legally. It quickly escalated, with him betting on sports while playing at both Indiana and Cincinnati before transferring to Texas Tech. “I couldn’t watch sporting activities without wanting to have something at stake,” he confessed, wanting “some skin on the game.” Court records show the devastating scope: over 9,000 bets totaling at least $90,000 during his college career. Forty of those wagers even involved Indiana football when he was on the team! Even when he got to Texas Tech and was making more money than ever, the compulsion didn’t stop. “No reason to gamble. And yet I still did it,” Sorsby said, describing it as “chasing a dopamine hit” and keeping it a secret from those around him.
The NCAA Hammer and a Crushing Realization
The consequences hit hard. Sorsby took an indefinite leave from the Red Raiders in April and entered a residential treatment program for gambling addiction. The NCAA, after investigating his betting activity including those Indiana wagers, ruled him permanently ineligible. He challenged that decision in court, even briefly regaining eligibility in June thanks to a Texas judge’s temporary injunction that would have allowed him to play after a two-game suspension. But the Big 12 pursued legal action, and Sorsby ultimately ended his fight, leaving Texas Tech. The moment the weight of it all became clear, Sorsby broke down, telling his parents and agent, “I just threw everything I’ve worked for my entire life out the window. Like, it’s over.”
Now, with no NFL supplemental draft held in 2026, Sorsby is preparing for the 2027 NFL draft. His story, filmed since January as part of the documentary on Texas Tech’s offseason under coach Joey McGuire, gives a raw, behind-the-scenes look at a college career derailed by addiction. You’ll want to see how this unfolds, especially with the 2027 draft on the horizon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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