Brendan Sorsby could have one long shot option left: Junior College Football

After the NFL dealt Brendan Sorsby a devastating setback, his path to professional football appears to lead only to the 2027 NFL Draft. With no supplemental draft scheduled for 2026 and Sorsby no longer part of the Texas Tech Red Raiders football program, his options are limited. His attorney could pursue legal action against the NFL, but that route appears unlikely to gain traction. One long-shot alternative would be for Sorsby to continue playing in 2026 through junior college football, commonly known as JUCO football.

Often referred to as “Last Chance” football, JUCO is not entirely outside the realm of possibility. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) governs junior college athletics separately from the NCAA, with the exception of California schools, which fall under the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA).

There is precedent for players turning to JUCO after their college careers hit major obstacles. Cam Newton, for example, enrolled at a junior college after Florida dismissed him from the program. He later transferred to Auburn, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to a national championship.

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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) runs the ball to the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a NCAA men’s football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Baylor Bears, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. Bearcats won 41-20.

After the NCAA denied Sorsby’s eligibility and the NFL declined to hold a supplemental draft, JUCO remains a slim possibility. To pursue that path, Sorsby would likely need to apply for and receive eligibility clearance from the NJCAA. Even then, the odds appear long, as the organization would need to evaluate his eligibility in light of his previous NCAA participation.

The NJCAA would also have to consider the circumstances surrounding his NCAA bylaw violations related to gambling activity. Newton’s situation differed significantly because Florida dismissed him from the program, but his NCAA eligibility was not permanently voided. Sorsby, by contrast, lost his eligibility due to violations of established NCAA bylaws.

If the NJCAA were to deny him eligibility, Sorsby could still choose to pursue legal action. Given the legal challenges already surrounding his case, that outcome would not be surprising.

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Nov 29, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) runs with the ball during the game between the Horned Frogs and the Bearcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

According to his attorney, Sorsby is currently evaluating potential legal remedies involving the NFL. In practice, however, that would be an uphill battle. The NFL can point to established policies and precedent supporting its position, making a successful challenge difficult.

Beyond legal action, Sorsby could explore opportunities in leagues such as the UFL or Arena Football One. Neither option would allow him to play during the 2026 season because their schedules have already concluded. However, if maintaining football activity before the 2027 NFL Draft becomes a priority, those leagues could still provide a path forward.

At the end of the day, Sorsby made several gambles—not only with the wagers that led to his suspension, but also with his football career. Had he accepted the NCAA’s ruling rather than continuing to challenge it, he may have improved his chances of receiving consideration for a supplemental draft.

Now, Sorsby must deal with the consequences of those decisions.