​Even after a month had passed since Brendan Sorsby’s chaotic and controversial exit from Texas Tech, Joey McGuire remained hopeful about the quarterback’s future. Sorsby’s gambling troubles had cast a shadow over his talent, but McGuire believed he was “special,” and the ex-Red Raiders standout still aimed for the 2027 NFL Draft. The NCAA issues that followed involved Sorsby completing inpatient treatment after it was revealed he had placed thousands of impermissible sports bets over four years across his time at Indiana and Cincinnati, including bets on his own team. The league ultimately decided not to grant him any leniency, resulting in a permanent ineligibility ban and his departure from Texas Tech.
Meanwhile, McGuire has kept Sorsby’s number saved and continues to check in on his rehab progress. That quiet follow-through reflects more than a headline-grabbing scandal; it reveals a coach who won’t treat Sorsby as a mere story. In a climate where many head coaches would step back and let a player fight his battles alone, McGuire chose a different path. He refused to walk away from Sorsby, especially when he was at his lowest, offering guidance during the Big 12 Media Days. “You take a step back and really work on yourself. It’s easy to work on your game. It’s easy to work on yourself as a player, but he’s got some things he’s got to work on himself,” McGuire said.
Yet, even as he delivered this candid assessment, McGuire emphasized that he wanted NFL teams to take a chance on Sorsby in the 2027 Draft before the window closed. “Some team’s going to give him an opportunity next year, and when they do, he’s special. He is as good as any player I’ve ever been around in my life,” McGuire asserted. “I think it’s one of those deals where he’ll continue to grow as a person and as a player, and somebody’s going to take a chance on him. They’d better take a chance on him early because he’s not going to be there if they wait around. They’re going to get a really good person and a really good football player,” he added.
McGuire explained that he refuses to allow Sorsby to navigate this path alone because, after 32 years of coaching, mentoring young men is his true calling. He became openly vulnerable, admitting that he has seen the ugly reality of addiction within his own family and understands how easily it can destroy lives. This understanding is precisely why he stands beside Sorsby’s parents, Jamie and his mother, ensuring they remain connected to Texas Tech’s athletic facilities while he continues his rehabilitation and prepares for the road ahead. McGuire’s support remains a constant, even as the media spotlight shifts away, underscoring a commitment that goes beyond the scandal and toward the person Brendan Sorsby can become.