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Brendan Sorsby Lawsuit: Judge Phillip Hays Recuses Himself From NCAA Eligibility Case
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- Brendan Sorsby Lawsuit: Judge Phillip Hays Recuses Himself From NCAA Eligibility Case
Brendan Sorsby 's fight to play this season has taken another turn. The Texas Tech quarterback is challenging the NCAA after being ruled ineligible over sports betting , asking a Texas court to step in and allow him to practice and play in what would be his final college season.
The case already carries major stakes for Sorsby and the Red Raiders, but now there is another development, with Judge Phillip Hays recusing himself from the eligibility lawsuit. That means the legal battle will continue under a different judge as Sorsby pushes for a ruling that could put him back on the field.
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Judge Phillip Hays, who had been assigned to the Texas Tech quarterback's case, has stepped away from it. The move drew attention because Hays has ties to Texas Tech, having earned two degrees from the school, and is also from Lubbock.
No specific reason was given for the recusal, but given the connection to the university, the decision will likely be viewed as a way to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Ryan Autullo who reported it on X said, "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."
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A Closer Look Into Brendan Sorsby's Case
Brendan Sorsby's situation is now more than just a football eligibility issue. It has turned into a bigger fight over how the NCAA handles gambling cases involving athletes.
Sorsby is trying to play his final college season at Texas Tech, but his status is in doubt because of past sports betting. His side is not denying that bets were placed. Instead, the argument is that the NCAA is treating him too harshly while ignoring the larger reality of how closely college sports now sits next to the gambling industry.
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His lawyers are also leaning into the addiction angle. They argue that Sorsby recognized the problem, sought treatment, and should not lose his final year because of a condition they say should be handled with care rather than just punishment.
Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill during spring football practice. © Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The NCAA's position is likely to be much simpler. An athlete betting on games, especially involving his own team, is exactly the kind of thing the rulebook is designed to stop. From that perspective, the issue is not sympathy. It is competitive integrity.
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That is what makes the case so interesting. Sorsby needs quick legal relief because the season and NFL supplemental draft deadline are both approaching. If the court sides with him, he could suit up for Texas Tech. If not, his college career may be over before it really begins in Lubbock.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
