Brendan Sorsby's NCAA lawsuit hits snag following judge's recusal

Brendan Sorsby. Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Brendan Sorsby's NCAA lawsuit hits snag following judge's recusal

By Eric Smithling | Last updated May 20, 2026 2:47 PM ET

Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brendan Sorsby no longer has home-field advantage in his battle against the NCAA.

On Wednesday, Bloomberg Law Texas courts reporter Ryan Autullo shared that judge Phillip Hays recused himself from Sorsby's lawsuit against the NCAA as he seeks an injunction to play in 2026 after being ruled ineligible earlier this year for placing bets on Indiana Hoosiers games in 2022 while a scout-team quarterback for the program.

Sorsby transferred from the Cincinnati Bearcats to Texas Tech during the offseason as one of the biggest splash signings this transfer period.

Hays, as Autullo notes, is a Lubbock native with degrees from Texas Tech, creating a clear conflict working in Sorsby's favor. Autullo even shared one photo with Hays smiling during a photo op with Texas Tech mascot Raider Red. His recusal could have a major impact as Sorsby seeks clarification on his status with the NFL supplemental draft looming.

Brendan Sorsby's NCAA case dealt curveball following judge's recusal

Breaking: Judge in Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's lawsuit against NCAA recused himself.

Judge Phillip Hays, a Lubbock native with two Tech degrees, didn't give a reason.

Replacement to be picked by administrative judge with degrees from A&M and Baylor, but not Tech.
— Ryan Autullo (@RyanAutullo) May 20, 2026

Here’s Judge Phillip Hays. He will decide if Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby gets to play this fall. pic.twitter.com/qtZqkvURc5
— Ryan Autullo (@RyanAutullo) May 18, 2026

Sorsby started 24 games the past two seasons at Cincinnati, completing 62.9 percent of his pass attempts for 5,613 yards, 45 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding 1,027 yards on the ground and 18 rushing touchdowns.

He was a major addition for Texas Tech, which won the Big 12 and reached the College Football Playoff last season, both firsts for the program.

The ruling in the ongoing case will have major ramifications not only for Texas Tech but also Sorsby, who must file paperwork to be eligible for the NFL's supplemental draft by June 22, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Instead of pleading his case to a friendly ear, Sorsby will have to wait to learn who will decide his fate, with Autullo noting an administrative judge with degrees from Texas A&M and Baylor will pick an alternate judge.

The clock is ticking for a decision, but the odds of it landing in Sorsby's favor may have shrunk following Wednesday's update.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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