The Pittsburgh Steelers' pursuit of future quarterback options has taken an unexpected turn after Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brendan Sorsby was declared eligible to play for the 2026 college football season.

NFL analysts urged Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan to consider pursuing Sorsby, despite his gambling issues and other ongoing legal battles with the NCAA.

“A judge in district court in Lubbock County, Texas, has granted the injunction requested by Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel wrote on his X. “He’s set to be eligible for the 2026 season.” 

And as per the rules shared by Thamel, the NCAA cannot prevent Sorsby from ‘practicing, playing, or otherwise participating on Texas Tech’s football team for the 2026 season.’

At one point, the Supplemental Draft appeared to be Sorsby's fastest route to the NFL. Despite his immense talent, an indefinite NCAA suspension had clouded his future. AtoZ reports linked the quarterback to teams such as Pittsburgh, but that now won't be possible.

Sorsby's legal team secured a temporary injunction restoring his eligibility at Texas Tech. The agreement allowed him to return to college football, accepting a two-game suspension, giving him another opportunity to boost his draft stock on the field.

Charles Robinson, NFL analyst for Yahoo Sports, projected the Steelers to make an aggressive move to secure Sorsby if he enters the league through a supplementary draft.

"I’m going to put Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby squarely in this category because I can’t rule out that the Steelers have it in them to do something bolder than anyone expects," Robinson said.

Robinson pointed out that the franchise has been struggling to find a reliable quarterback on a long-term basis since the departure of QB Ben Roethlisberger, and Sorsby could be a high-risk long-term edge for the team.

"And if that is what unfolds [Sorsby not securing an injunction], it could open up a sizable—if not extremely cautious—opportunity for the Steelers now that they know they’ll need a new starting quarterback in 2027," Robinson added.

While Robinson viewed Sorsby as a potential supplemental draft target for the Steelers, the court's ruling has allowed him to return to Texas Tech for the 2026 season.

Why Brendan Sorsby Was an Intriguing Option for Pittsburgh

Analyst Todd McShay said that he would secure Sorsby by utilizing a first-round pick if his off-field conduct was as good as his on-field production.

"He's got this suddenness to him," McShay said in The McShay Show podcast on May 6. "All of a sudden, the energy on the field changes when he decides, 'I'm taking this ball and running.' And it's this acceleration with a little bit of a twist and power at the end of the run."

Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards and recorded five interceptions and 27 touchdowns in 2025. He is widely considered one of the top QB prospects because of his dual-threat skill set, arm talent, and play-making ability, according to Jason Abbey of Dazn.com

With such a resume, it's easy to see why some analysts viewed Sorsby as a potential first-round pick and a future NFL starter.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote