Story perspectives

Big 12 Sues Texas Tech Over QB Sorsby Eligibility

6/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States Big 12 filed a 47-page lawsuit Monday in Texas seeking an injunction.
The suit names Texas Tech, President Lawrence Schovanec, Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt and Attorney General Ken Paxton as defendants.
The complaint seeks permission to sanction Texas Tech if quarterback Brendan Sorsby plays.
It does not challenge the Lubbock County injunction clearing Sorsby for 2026, with penalties could include fines or a ban from Big 12 Championship Game.

History

Historical Context

After the 1988 Supreme Court decision in NCAA v. Tarkanian—where the Court affirmed the NCAA’s power to sanction UNLV and later led to a $2.5 million settlement—the league has repeatedly used enforcement actions. Building on that precedent, the Big 12 has filed a 47-page lawsuit in 2024 against Texas Tech, its president Lawrence Schovanec, AD Kirby Hocutt, and Attorney General Ken Paxton over quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility.

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Story summary

The United States Big 12 filed a 47-page lawsuit Monday in Texas seeking an injunction.
The suit names Texas Tech, President Lawrence Schovanec, Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt and Attorney General Ken Paxton as defendants.
The complaint seeks permission to sanction Texas Tech if quarterback Brendan Sorsby plays.
It does not challenge the Lubbock County injunction clearing Sorsby for 2026, with penalties could include fines or a ban from Big 12 Championship Game.

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