Full Breakdown
Brendan Sorsby Secures 2027 NFL Draft Eligibility After Dropping Lawsuit
7/1/2026, 6:36:02 AM
Settlement Makes Sorsby Draft-Eligible for 2027
On June 30, 2026 the NFL, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and quarterback Brendan Sorsby reached a settlement. The agreement classifies Sorsby as a draft-eligible player for the 2027 NFL Draft and bars him from signing a contract until the draft concludes. All parties confirmed that no further litigation will be pursued.
Gambling Scandal and NCAA Ineligibility
Sorsby placed thousands of bets on college and professional sports, including at least 40 wagers on Indiana games while on the Hoosiers’ roster in 2022. The NCAA ruled him ineligible in May 2026 after determining his gambling total was roughly $90,000, prompting a temporary Texas injunction that was later withdrawn.
Timeline of Key Legal and League Actions
- 2022 – Sorsby bets on Indiana.
- 2025 – Leads Cincinnati in passer-efficiency (155.1).
- April 2026 – Enters gambling-rehab.
- May 2026 – NCAA ineligibility.
- June 8 2026 – Texas judge grants two-game injunction.
- June 15 2026 – Big 12 files federal suit.
- June 23 2026 – NFL denies supplemental-draft petition.
- June 26 2026 – CFL bars Sorsby.
- June 30 2026 – Settlement confirms 2027 draft eligibility.
College Performance and Betting Figures
Sorsby appeared in 35 games, throwing for 7,208 yards, 60 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, and rushing for 1,295 yards with 22 scores. His gambling record totals roughly $90,000, including at least 40 bets on Indiana and thousands of other wagers.
Official Statements & Responses
League Criticism
NFL attorney Lawrence P. Ferazani Jr. wrote that Sorsby’s petition raised issues “too significant, and too closely tied to the League’s core integrity interests” to permit a timely supplemental-draft review. The league also reserved the right to investigate any undisclosed misconduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I did not have control of my gambling problem and it took getting caught to realize that, but it was truly the best thing that could have happened to me.” — Brendan Sorsby, Instagram statement
- “The issues presented by your Petition are too significant, and too closely tied to the League’s core integrity interests, to permit meaningful review within the timeline presented,” — Lawrence P. Ferazani Jr., NFL attorney
- “We have confirmed with the NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby that there will be no further litigation regarding his entry into the NFL — and that instead, Mr. Sorsby will focus on his preparation for entry into the League via the 2027 NFL Draft,” — NFL memo to teams
- “Upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition are paramount to the CFL," the statement said, in part.” — CFL statement on Sorsby’s eligibility
What’s Next for Sorsby
Under the settlement Sorsby may attend the Senior Bowl, participate in a pro day, and meet with NFL teams during the 2026-27 pre-draft cycle. He will train independently for the next ten months while maintaining his recovery program.
