As Texas Tech awaits the potential fallout of Brendan Sorsby‘s gambling addiction that has resulted in a rehab stint and possible NCAA investigation, all eyes turn to Will Hammond, the expected 2026 back up quarterback, who could turn into QB1. Hammond tore his ACL last October and there has been mixed reporting on when he might be available, at the earliest.
According to a couple of reports, Hammond is expected to be able to return in Week 3, at the earliest, according to head coach Joey McGuire. Hammond would miss games against Abilene Christian and Oregon State, and would be available for Houston in Week 3, arguably one of their toughest games on the schedule.
However, On3 reported on Monday that Hammond is already throwing and the team is not ruling out a Week 1 return.
But no matter what, the news around Brendan Sorsby has clearly changed the plans for the Red Raiders.
Brendan Sorsby Gambling Rehab
It was announced Monday that Sorsby entered residential treatment for a gambling addiction.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” head coach Joey McGuire said in a statement. “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.”
The University said in its own statement, “Texas Tech’s primary focus remains on fostering an environment where student-athletes feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and seek professional assistance. To protect the integrity of the recovery process, Texas Tech will have no further comment on Brendan’s status or treatment progress at this time. We kindly ask the media and the public to respect the privacy of Brendan and his family.”
Sorsby Reportedly Bet On His Own Team
On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Sorsby placed bets on Indiana while on the Hoosiers’ roster in 2022. The bets in 2022 were on Indiana to win and none came in a game in which Sorsby appeared, according to Pete Thamel. This could jeopardize his eligiblity due to NCAA guidelines from 2023 on sports betting, which note: “Student-athletes who engage in activities to influence the outcomes of their own games or knowingly provide information to individuals involved in sports betting activities will potentially face permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports. This would also apply to student-athletes who wager on their own games or on other sports at their own schools.”
Sorsby was the crown jewel of the quarterback position in the transfer portal, reportedly receiving upwards of $5 million to join the Red Raiders, who are trying to improve on a stellar 2025 season where they reached the College Football Playoff, before losing to the Oregon Ducks.
