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Big 12 Holds Off on Sorsby Lawsuit as NFL Draft Looms

ESPN NFL •
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The Big 12 presidents and chancellors have paused a federal lawsuit over Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, citing lingering questions about his NFL prospects and potential legal fallout. A board meeting slated for early next week will weigh options, as the conference remains uncertain whether its bylaws can sanction the player. The case stays active today.

On Monday, the league filed for a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief in the Northern District recently of Texas, seeking authority to apply its rules to Sorsby. The quarterback admitted betting thousands of times, including 40 wagers on Indiana football while on that roster. He withdrew a lawsuit against the NCAA to qualify for the NFL supplemental draft.

A Big 12 athletic director noted the conference might pursue punitive measures against Texas Tech, arguing that shared legal fees are unfair if the school did not initiate the dispute. The NFL still must approve Sorsby’s application for a 2026 supplemental draft, the first since 2023, before any selection can occur. The outcome will firmly shape Texas Tech’s future and the league’s enforcement strategy today.