Breandan Sorsby denied NFL entry as the league will not have a supplemental draft

Brendan Sorsby’s NFL future does not begin in 2026, as the league decided not to hold a supplemental draft this year.

Sorsby admitted to a long stint of sports betting on college and pro teams, with bets totaling more than $90,000. Among those bets were some on Indiana Hoosiers football, for whom he played at the time.

As part of the agreement between the league and the Players Association, it had the right to initially have a draft. Thus, league officials believed that holding the supplemental draft would be a distraction for teams as training camp was set to begin later this summer.

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Larry Ferazani, General Counsel of the NFL Management Council, wrote a letter to Sorsby explaining the league’s decision.

“The league has not conducted such a draft in several years and, prior to your submission, the league had no plans to do so this year as no other players have applied,” Ferazani’s letter to multiple outlets read. “Your petition—filed three business days before the deadline, without any supporting information or documentation, and only after abandoning your most recent litigation efforts to avoid NCAA sanctions—does not provide a basis for the league to change those plans. The issues your petition presents are too significant and too closely tied to the league’s core integrity review within the deadline presented to meaningfully allow.

BRENDAN SORSBY admits to betting nearly $90,000 during college career as NCAA CONTEST HEATS UP

Ferazani’s letter went on to say that the “sole grounds” for seeking entry into a supplemental draft were due to being “declared ineligible” by the NCAA after trying every avenue to continue his collegiate career. It also points out how Sorsby’s petition to the league does not address his gambling history.

“Your petition does not address these issues. Nor does it show accountability for your conduct or indicate whether or how you would comply with the league’s rules and policies governing the integrity of competition. Instead, even after receiving notice of the NCAA’s decision to revoke your eligibility for college in May, you sought to avoid the consequences of that decision, instead of accepting your action, and entering into a lawsuit. The NFL only after abandoning those efforts.

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby speaks to the media during Big 12 Media Days at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on July 8, 2025. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“As Commissioner Goodell has emphasized, participation in the NFL is a privilege that carries significant responsibilities, including accountability. By all accounts, you are a talented player with the potential for future success. We encourage you to focus on preparing for possible entry into the NFL through the 2027 NFL Annual Draft.”

Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, told OutKick’s Trey Wallace that the league’s decision is “a violation of the CBA and the law.”

“We will pursue this immediately with the NFLPA,” Kessler added.

Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby looks on during the spring football game at Jones AT&T Stadium on April 17, 2026. (© Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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Sorsby had been in the middle of an NCAA investigation tied to his sports betting for months leading up to a possible split with Texas Tech. He eventually decided to part ways with the program on the same day the Big 12 filed a lawsuit in federal court in Texas seeking the power to sanction the Red Raiders for playing Sorsby this season.

Now, as Sorsby’s focus will continue to fight a gambling addiction, he may have to look elsewhere to continue playing. The UFL’s season ended earlier this month, and the Canadian Football League runs from June to November. Sorsby could also take time off to prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft, as Ferazani’s letter suggests.