Former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is officially entering the NFL Supplemental Draft in July following his dismissal from the NCAA over a severe gambling controversy. Sorsby separated from the university in mid-May after admitting to placing over 9,000 wagers, a scandal that temporarily threatened Big 12 boycotts and voided his college eligibility. The 22-year-old is now pivoting to the professional level, bringing high-end talent and substantial off-field baggage to a league that has not held a supplemental draft since the Arizona Cardinals selected safety Jalen Thompson seven years ago.
The New York Jets are reportedly evaluating the quarterback as they hold three first-round picks in next year’s draft and possess the capital to make an aggressive blind bid. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn remained completely noncommittal during recent press availability, telling reporters the franchise is “focused on the guys that we have here now.” The organization is conducting due diligence on the prospect, according to SNY reporting on his exit from Texas Tech and the resulting gambling fallout.
Before the betting scandal derailed his collegiate career, scouts widely projected Sorsby as a top-50 prospect. He generated 2,800 passing yards and 27 touchdowns during his 12 games at Cincinnati last season, adding another 580 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. That production originally positioned him as a potential early-round selection before his NCAA eligibility vanished. If a franchise submits a Round 1 bid, he would become the first opening-round supplemental pick since the Giants drafted Dave Brown in 1992.
NFL executives remain sharply divided on how to handle a player who placed 40 bets involving his own collegiate team. Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken explicitly dismissed the idea of adding Sorsby to their roster, labeling the situation a “slippery slope, irrespective of talent.” The quarterback will attempt to repair his image and showcase his physical tools when he hosts a scheduled Pro Day for league scouts on July 10, as outlined by Sports Illustrated in their review of his severely impacted draft stock. Analysts surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars are also urging their front office to avoid the quarterback entirely, citing the severe compliance risks.