Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Former Cincinnati and Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has quickly become one of the most fascinating storylines surrounding the NFL Supplemental Draft.
What began as a highly publicized battle over his college eligibility has now shifted to questions about what pick a team would be willing to give up for him and where the talented but controversial quarterback could begin his professional career. And while several teams have been mentioned as potential fits, the Pittsburgh Steelers could emerge as an intriguing possibility.
Sorsby’s path to the supplemental draft comes after a tumultuous offseason. The quarterback transferred to Texas Tech after two seasons with Cincinnati where he accumulated 5,613 passing yards, 45 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, and found himself at the center of a legal and NCAA battle stemming from sports betting violations during his time on Indiana’s roster that ultimately ended his college career. After the NCAA denied his reinstatement request and a judge in Texas ruled that Sorsby would be eligible for his final season, still though, Sorsby elected to forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.
The situation became increasingly complicated for Texas Tech. The school initially stood behind Sorsby as he fought to regain his eligibility, but pressure from the Big 12 and ongoing legal disputes created uncertainty surrounding the program. Eventually, both sides moved toward a separation that cleared the way for Sorsby’s NFL pursuit.
Despite the off-field concerns, Sorsby’s talent remains undeniable.
Before the controversy, many evaluators viewed him as a potential top quarterback prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft. Across two seasons at Cincinnati, he threw for 45 touchdowns while adding significant production as a runner, showcasing the arm talent, mobility and playmaking ability NFL teams covet.
That upside is why some believe Sorsby could command a higher supplemental draft bid than expected. Quarterbacks are always valued differently, and it only takes one organization to believe it has found a future starter.
Could that organization be Pittsburgh?
At first glance, the Steelers may not appear to be a natural fit. The team has invested heavily in its quarterback room in drafting Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft and Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and may be reluctant to surrender a future draft pick for another developmental quarterback, and one who is carrying significant baggage.
However, longtime draft analyst Todd McShay recently identified Pittsburgh as the team he believes makes the most sense for Sorsby.
“Pittsburgh, that’s the one,” McShay said on his podcast “The McShay Show”.
Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati Athletics
McShay’s comments add another layer of intrigue to Sorsby’s supplemental draft outlook. While the Steelers may not have an immediate need at quarterback, the organization has consistently valued competition and depth at the position. If Pittsburgh views Sorsby’s talent as being worth the risk, it could be willing to part with a future draft selection to add him to the roster.
The appeal is easy to understand. Sorsby possesses the arm talent, athleticism and upside that NFL teams covet. He also wouldn’t be stepping into a situation where he would be expected to start immediately, giving him time to develop while learning behind veteran quarterbacks.
The bigger question is whether the Steelers would feel comfortable with the off-field concerns. Sorsby’s betting history will be scrutinized by every NFL team and could lead to a suspension to start his NFL career, and the organization would need to be convinced that the issues are behind him before investing a valuable future draft asset.
Ultimately, the supplemental draft is often driven by conviction. If the Steelers believe Sorsby’s talent outweighs the risks, they could emerge as a surprise bidder. If not, another quarterback-needy team may decide the upside is worth the gamble.
Either way, Sorsby has become one of the most intriguing supplemental draft prospects in recent memory, and his NFL future will be closely watched.
Mentioned In This Article: Brendan Sorsby Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers Steelers News Todd McShay