Even after a Texas judge ruled Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby was eligible to return to college football, Sorsby is reportedly planning to make a 2026 run at the NFL anyway. Per insider Tom Pelissero, Sorsby is applying to be eligible for the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft.

June 22nd was the deadline for Sorsby to apply.

Star QB Brendan Sorsby is applying to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, sources tell NFL Network.

After legal wrangling about his NCAA eligibility, Sorsby — regarded as a first-round talent — now could be the highest-drafted supplemental pick in decades. pic.twitter.com/ltK1SiWZr4

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2026

Sorsby’s motivation and change of heart are unclear. First, the NFL must accept Sorsby as eligible. That is no guarantee given that the Supplemental Draft is normally reserved for those unable to return to college. While the NCAA fought against Sorsby’s injunction to return after he admitted to gambling on games, it was granted, and Sorsby was previously expected to return to school and be eligible after a two-game suspension.

UPDATE (8:59 PM): Per Pelissero, Sorsby’s lawyers are withdrawing their lawsuit which will make him ineligible to play college football and make the Supplemental Draft more viable.

Brendan Sorsby’s attorneys plan to withdraw their lawsuit Tuesday, per source. That means he will officially be ineligible under the NCAA’s ruling, clearing the way for him to enter the NFL supplemental draft. https://t.co/iwFsu7g4si

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2026

Sorsby’s winning injunction created plenty of backlash from fans, media, and college teams. Athletic directors openly criticized the outcome and threatened not to play Texas Tech. In fact, a volleyball game against Michigan was reportedly cancelled by the Wolverines, ostensibly due to fallout over Sorsby’s situation. Earlier Monday, the Big 12 conference sued Texas Tech because of it.

Should Sorsby be in this year’s draft, there will be plenty of eyes on who will be interested in him. The Pittsburgh Steelers still lack a long-term option and will, at least in the media, be connected, but it’s unknown if the team will have serious interest. Pittsburgh already has Will Howard and Drew Allar as young, developmental quarterbacks on the roster. The team also normally avoids players with baggage like Sorsby.

Should Sorsby get drafted into the NFL, there’s a chance he could face punishment from Roger Goodell. Even though he wasn’t in the NFL at the time of his gambling, the league could set a hard line and make an example out of Sorsby for his actions.

Per Albert Breer, Sorsby could hold a Pro Day for teams, or have private workouts, from July 5-12.

NFL timeline for Brendan Sorsby …

• June 22: Deadline to apply for the supplemental draft.

• July 5-12: Window to hold a Pro Day, workout privately for teams.

• Late July: Supplemental draft.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 16, 2026

The Supplemental Draft is typically held before training camp. It had been canceled in recent years due to no players being part of its pool. Teams who are awarded players lose their winning selection for the following year, in this case 2027. Hypothetically, Pittsburgh using a first round pick on Sorsby this year means not having one next season.

The Steelers have never drafted any player in the conventional Supplemental Draft. Teams that want to select a player essentially submit a “bid” for him, a blind draft pick without knowing what other teams’ intentions are, and the highest pick is awarded the player.