LUBBOCK, Texas – In a significant development for Texas Tech football, quarterback Brendan Sorsby has announced an indefinite leave of absence from the team to enter a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. This decision, made public through a statement released by both Texas Tech and Sorsby on Monday, underscores the growing awareness and importance of mental health issues within the realm of college sports.
The university expressed its commitment to supporting Sorsby throughout his recovery, emphasizing the importance of his long-term health and well-being. This proactive stance reflects an increasingly positive trend in collegiate athletics, where institutions are prioritizing the mental health of their student-athletes.
Sorsby, who transferred from Cincinnati, was a notable name in this year’s transfer portal. His move to Texas Tech was not without controversy; Cincinnati announced plans to sue him for breaching his name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract. According to the lawsuit, Sorsby had signed an NIL agreement in July 2025, which included a $1 million buyout clause should he decide to transfer. After announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal on December 15, he committed to Texas Tech on January 4, 2026.
During this period, Sorsby secured the most lucrative deal from the transfer portal, reportedly valued at $5 million, as he returned to his home state for what was anticipated to be a pivotal final season.
As of the announcement, it remains uncertain how Sorsby’s leave of absence will affect his availability for the upcoming season. However, his coach, Joey McGuire, voiced unwavering support for Sorsby’s decision to seek help, stating, “Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.”
Texas Tech has reiterated its commitment to fostering an environment that empowers student-athletes to prioritize their mental health. The institution has chosen to refrain from further comments on Sorsby’s status to safeguard the integrity of his recovery process.
Brendan Sorsby began his collegiate career at Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati. Over his career, he has played in 35 games, including 31 starts, accumulating impressive stats with 7,208 passing yards, 60 touchdowns, and 1,295 rushing yards with 22 touchdowns.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, cases like Sorsby’s highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues within sports, encouraging a culture of openness and support for athletes facing similar struggles.
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