The NCAA is capitalizing on the backlash against the Brendan Sorsby eligibility ruling to advocate for the Protect College Sports Act. In a recent memo to all Division I conference commissioners, the NCAA asserted that the proposed legislation would nullify Sorsby’s legal triumph, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

Introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), the bill aims to tackle various pressing issues in college athletics. A key feature of the bill is its potential to enable the NCAA to enforce its rules without facing ongoing litigation.

In the memo, the NCAA claimed that the Protect College Sports Act would effectively "resolve" the Sorsby situation if enacted before the conclusion of the Texas Tech quarterback's legal disputes. The NCAA emphasized:

• The bill would clarify the NCAA's authority to impose gambling-related eligibility restrictions.
• It would override Sorsby’s legal challenge, allowing the NCAA to uphold its ineligibility rules.

Brendan Sorsby, who admitted to placing multiple sports bets, including on his own team, successfully sued the NCAA to overturn his ineligibility. If the Protect College Sports Act becomes law, it would preempt any state-level contract claims that conflict with its provisions.

The situation has also raised concerns about the eligibility of other players, such as Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss, who is currently involved in a different legal battle.

The controversy escalated after a Lubbock judge granted Sorsby an injunction, allowing him to play in the 2026 season despite his gambling admissions. This decision has prompted significant backlash, with athletic directors from Nebraska and Georgia threatening to boycott games against Texas Tech, and discussions of a scheduling moratorium by the Big Ten.

Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt defended Sorsby amid growing frustration from peers, indicating that the school may pursue legal action if the Big 12 decides to impose sanctions. As the NCAA intensifies its push for the Protect College Sports Act, the future of the bill remains uncertain, particularly in light of the ongoing legal challenges surrounding Sorsby.