Question Marks Surround Quarterback Brendan Sorsby

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The free world knows that Texas Tech transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby was “checking into a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction.”

No doubt ⎯

That character red flag now appears on his draft card.

🚩

Beyond that ⎯

The two most pressing questions are: How did he look on his 2025 game film when he played for the Cincinnati Bearcats, and how does that translate to the NFL?

Is it possible that Sorsby will declare for the NFL’s 2026 Supplemental Draft? Yes, it’s possible. Is it possible that he’s granted eligibility for the 2026 college football season? Yes, that’s possible too.

All of that will sort itself out.

No question Sorsby is talented. That’s what makes him intriquing, and that’s also what makes this evaluation so complicated.

How much talent does he have?

There were times in games three through eight, Sorsby reminded me of Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen.

Holy footballs.

Did I really just say that out loud?

I did.

For the record ⎯

I’m not comparing Sorsby to Allen.

Not yet, anyway.

But in what ways does he make me think of Allen?

• Athleticism
• Toughness
• Dual threat
• Arm talent
• Competitiveness
• The way he spreads the ball around

“He has a knack for scanning the defense, and finding the mismatch every single play.”

—ESPN talking about University of Cincinnati QB #2 Brendan Sorsby vs. Oklahoma State (2025) pic.twitter.com/YXMZbnmOfe

— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) May 10, 2026

Concerns

But, before I get too carried away…

Evaluating game film is about the ability to recognize the consistency level of traits, patterns, and tendencies. Every prospect has some level of inconsistency. That’s why there are seven rounds and undrafted free agents in the NFL Draft each year.

With that said ⎯

Sorbsy is no exception. He has inconsistencies as well.

61.7% completion percentage in 2025.

And that’s at the college level. The NFL is only faster and more complex.

61.7% is marginal.

What’s causing this?

• Wears his emotions on his sleeve
• Unsettled feet
• Tendency to hold the ball too long

University of Cincinnati QB #2 Brendan Sorsby showing his frustration vs. TCU (2025) pic.twitter.com/gWmxvgRE7B

— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) May 10, 2026

Struggles under pressure

This is another thing that stood out ⎯

Opposing defenses affected him most when they could get pressure in his face.

Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Sorsby’s completion percentage dropped to 42.2% under pressure.

Upside

The thing that intrigued me the most about Sorsby was that he flashed the ability to get the ball out of his hand faster.

There were times ⎯ here and there ⎯ when he threw with anticipation (passed the ball to a spot before the receiver got there). It’s important, with the kinds of pass rushers who play in the NFL, that the quarterback gets the ball out of his hand on time, consistently.

It’s “in him” to do it.

Per PFF, there were games in which he sped up his process (Bowling Green: 2.52 seconds; Northwestern State: 2.54 seconds; UCF: 2.43 seconds; Utah: 2.32 seconds; Arizona: 2.38 seconds).

Risk Management

It makes the most sense to make Sorsby “prove it.”

There’s enough there that makes him worth the gamble.

At the right value.

#2 Brendan Sorsby 6-foot-3, 235 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2026 Spring Grade: Fourth-Round (I would select him)

🚩 HIGH INJURY RISK

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a First-Round prospect as of May 11, 2026

2025 game film evaluated: Nebraska, Bowling Green, Northwestern State, Kansas, Iowa State, UCF, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Utah, Arizona, BYU, and TCU (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

7 sacks and 5 interceptions (2025)

2025 time to throw: 2.82 seconds (PFF)

2025: 100 rushing attempts

2026 Supplemental-2027 NFL Draft Evaluation

Hothead. Shotgun formation. Claps for the snap. Plays like football is important to him. Ball control pre-snap tempo. Gunslinger. No fear. Short-term memory with mistakes. Streaky. Battles through it. Best operating from his spot in the pocket. Tends to take an extra step before releasing. Fluid throwing motion. Good mobility. Decent accuracy on the move. Can sidearm it. Live arm. The ball pops off his hand. One to two reads. Toys with third reads. Knows where to go with the ball. Good spatial awareness. Strong screen game. Decent placement short-to-intermediate (0-19 air yards). Aggressive downfield. Deep +20 air yards 22/58 (37.9%). Decent ball security (21 PBUs/average 1.75 per game). Legit runner. Good running instincts. Below-average at protecting his body. Fights through bumps and bruises. Borderline insubordinate at times.

What to watch for during the 2026 college football season (if he is granted eligibility)

1. Consistent game-by-game?

2. Protecting his body as a runner?

3. Off-field issues?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as appearing as a guest on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, and Fearless with Jason Whitlock. Featured in USA Today. For more information, visit whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.