Will Hammond could be available to start the season for Red Raiders
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby cleared a significant legal hurdle this week when a judge granted a temporary injunction allowing him to play during the 2026 season. But according to Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire, the legal victory is only one part of a much larger journey.
Speaking Wednesday at the Touchdown Club of Houston, McGuire emphasized that Sorsby's recovery from a gambling addiction remains the program's primary concern, even after a judge's ruling reduced the quarterback's NCAA-imposed punishment to a two-game suspension.
While the injunction theoretically opens the door for Sorsby to return as early as Texas Tech's Sept. 18 Big 12 opener against Houston, McGuire cautioned that such a timeline may be unrealistic.
"Brendan Sorsby is recovering from an addiction. He's recovering," McGuire said. "I've sat down with this young man multiple times, and the things that he is going through and what he's been through is serious."
Sorsby entered a monthlong treatment program in Arizona in late April after being diagnosed with a gambling addiction and anxiety disorder. Since then, his recovery process has become a central focus for both the player and the football program.
McGuire, whose comments reflected both compassion and caution, said determining when Sorsby is truly ready to return involves much more than eligibility paperwork.
"And so us even saying to the point before we get to the legal part that he can be ready week 3 against Houston is still a stretch, because guess what: He's still recovering," McGuire said.
The coach acknowledged that recovery is not always a straight path and suggested that Sorsby's readiness will be measured by more than physical preparation.
"You don't necessarily know between now and then exactly, 'Do I see a different person?' I know it sounds crazy, but I do. Do I see a kid that feels like he's got a thousand pounds of weight lifted off of him?" McGuire said. "He's made the statement that he feels like this is a moment that can actually change his life."
The legal battle surrounding Sorsby's NCAA gambling violations is far from over. Judge Ken Curry granted the temporary injunction on June 8, preventing the NCAA from enforcing a season-long suspension. The NCAA quickly appealed the ruling to Amarillo's 7th District Court of Appeals, while a trial in the case is scheduled for February. By then, however, the 2026 football season will already be complete.
Even with the injunction in place, McGuire indicated there are numerous safeguards and accountability measures still being implemented.
"There's a lot of things to work through that we're trying to work through right now," McGuire said.
He described an extensive support structure surrounding Sorsby, including mentors, monitoring technology, and financial oversight.
"The process is in place. For him to even get to the point where we can get him playing, there's a lot of stuff to go through," McGuire said.
Sorsby has already returned to the Dustin R. Womble Football Center and participated in an offseason workout on Wednesday. Still, McGuire made it clear that football remains secondary to the quarterback's long-term well-being.
"He's the first person to tell you it's his fault," McGuire said. "He chose to do this, but if you know anything about addiction, there's a point that you choose it and then all of a sudden you don't choose it anymore."
McGuire added that he never considered abandoning the player during a difficult period.
"So I wasn't going to turn my back on him, but we're still working through a lot of stuff," he said.
The coach also suggested that fans may soon hear directly from Sorsby, saying, "He thinks it's really important for him to get everybody to understand exactly where he's at."
Meanwhile, Texas Tech continues monitoring the recovery of quarterback Will Hammond, who is working his way back from knee surgery performed in November. McGuire expressed optimism that Hammond could be available early in the season.
"Last Wednesday I asked him how he felt," McGuire told the crowd, "and he said, 'I feel electric, Coach.'"
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