Reaction pours in: CFB media blasts Brendan Sorsby court order
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The biggest story of the college football offseason broke on Monday morning. Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby has received an injunction granting him eligibility for 2026, trumping an NCAA ban for gambling activities that included wagering on his own team during his time at Indiana.
The controversial court order has everyone in the college football world talking. Numerous observers, including prominent media members and lawyers, are speaking out with strong reactions to the court order. Many are questioning the state of the sport and its governing rules with Sorsby given the green light for 2026.
Here’s a sample of the reaction on social media:
My friend and attorney Chad Hatmaker, who has experience in eligibility cases, summed up Sorsby ruling well. “This might be the case that actually generates real reform. That’s absolutely ridiculous. If you have an illness as an employee, you don’t get to break the rules because…
— Chris Low (@Clowfb) June 8, 2026
It's so cute when coaches and conference commissioners say they just want clear rules but then sue literally any time the rules stop them.
— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) June 8, 2026
The existential questions of the offseason in college football: Do we want rules? Do we want to be governed?
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) June 8, 2026
In Lubbock, the answer is no. Brendan Sorsby is, for now, eligible to play in 2026 at Texas Tech.
Complete travesty.
Imagine being one of the Cyclones or Hawkeyes with far less egregious wagering who were never able to play NCAA football again. https://t.co/lIpfCzGoJe
— Keith Murphy (@KeithMurphy) June 8, 2026
There really aren’t any rules. You just go to court. If it fails, go to court again until a judge says you’re all set.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) June 8, 2026
Want a 7th year?
Sure
Broke rules?
Ahhhh, it’s fine.
There AREN’T any rules.
I’ve never had an issue paying players- above or under the table. It is what is. But you can’t bet on your own sport & team as a CFB player. That sets a very dangerous precedent. No other way to say it. I’m not saying he can’t have an NFL career but there has to be some…
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) June 8, 2026
Another example where a model with employment/collective bargaining would be better than the current system.
— Mit Winter (@WinterSportsLaw) June 8, 2026
A federal law with an antitrust exemption wouldn’t prevent this type of lawsuit.
Sorsby brought contract claims against the NCAA, not antitrust claims. https://t.co/LaJfIlCh5M
The Sorsby ruling is disgraceful to the integrity of CFB but also disrespectful to anyone struggling with a gambling addiction.
— Brandon Zimmerman (@BZSEC) June 8, 2026
Reaction from lawyer Tom Mars, a veteran of NCAA cases: "In 40 years as a lawyer, I've never been as shocked and surprised by a court ruling." That sums the reaction on the college sports landscape today. https://t.co/Iukpm5ZWzN
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 8, 2026
The NCAA also issued a formal statement saying it strongly disagrees with the ruling. Per Pete Nakos of On3, the NCAA is expected to appeal the Lubbock County judge’s ruling.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
