June 23, 2026, 3:22 p.m. CT

The Houston Texans might be content with quarterback C.J. Stroud for the 2026 NFL season, but let’s say they wanted another passer to compete beyond the upcoming year?

Could Cincinnati gunslinger Brendan Sorsby be an option in the upcoming NFL Supplemental Draft?

Actually, no. The reason? There is no draft later on next month.

The NFL told Sorsby and his camp on Tuesday afternoon that the leauge would not be holding its supplemental draft for the former college quarterback who recently dealt with a legal investigation from the NCAA after he admitted to gambling on games prior to his arrival at Texas Tech. Between his time at Indiana and Cincinnati, Sorsby admitted to betting thousands of times on college and pro sports, bets that totaled upward of $90,000 and included 40 wagers on Indiana football while a member of the program.

The league’s decision came down to its right to decide whether to hold a supplemental draft, per the collective bargaining agreement, as league officials said they believed it would ultimately become a distraction to teams as they begin training camps.

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“The Petition provides no information regarding the basis for, or timing of, the NCAA’s decision,” the letter states. “Public sources, however, indicate that in May 2026 the NCAA issued a determination declaring you permanently ineligible from participation in college athletics, based on a sustained pattern of improper gambling activity during your collegiate career at three different universities.”

Sorsby, who had initially been issued a temporary injunction to clear his path to play for Texas Tech in 2026, eventually elected to enter the supplemental draft after the Big 12 filed a motion in federal court to have the league suspend Sorsby internally. According to NFL draft makers, Sorsby was projected to be a third-round talent who would likely cost a fourth- or fifth-round pick to land, given that the league could elect to suspend him once drafted in July.

According to ESPN, Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, said that while the NFL could elect not to hold a supplemental draft, but not allowing Sorsby to be signed by an NFL team ahead of the 2026 season is a “violation of the CBA and the law.” Kessler said he and Sorsby would pursue this immediately with the NFLPA.

The Texans begin training camp starting on July 21.