Brendan Thorsby to Enter NFL Supplemental Draft
Quarterback Brendan Thorsby of the Texas Tech Red Raiders plans to declare for the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft, as reported by CBS Sports. This decision is expected to resolve ongoing questions about his eligibility.
As part of this process, Thorsby is set to drop his lawsuit against the NCAA. Since his temporary injunction is no longer applicable, he will re-enter the status of disqualification, making him eligible for the supplemental draft.
Cody Campbell, Chairman of the Texas Tech Board of Governors, explained in a statement that the decision comes after careful consideration with Thorsby and his family. He emphasized that while Thorsby and Texas Tech have a solid legal foundation, they face a deadline of June 22 to secure eligibility for the NFL draft. There seems to be no feasible way to address all the ongoing legal issues before that date. He added that this course of action is the most practical and fair for Thorsby, his teammates, and the university.
Campbell also mentioned that Texas Tech is not looking to reclaim any funds related to Thorsby’s situation, despite him having signed a contract worth over $5 million.
Reports indicate Thorsby has applied to join the NFL Supplemental Draft. After facing legal challenges regarding his NCAA eligibility, there was talk he could have been a first-round talent, making him a potentially significant addition to the draft in years.
Thorsby acknowledged placing numerous bets during his college years at Cincinnati and Indiana, and even wagered on his own team while playing for the Hoosiers. According to NCAA regulations, such actions can lead to a permanent loss of eligibility.
An injunction allowing him to compete was issued by a district court in Lubbock County, with a formal trial date set for February 2027, although the NCAA has appealed this decision.
Rather than pursuing further legal avenues, Thorsby is now aiming to be the first student-athlete from the NIL era selected in the NFL’s supplemental draft. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders’ other quarterback, Will Hammond, is recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in October 2025 and has missed the spring season for rehabilitation.
