NCAA Closes Cincinnati Inquiry; No Penalties to Institution Over Sorsby Gambling
The NCAA closed its investigation into University of Cincinnati regarding gambling activity by former quarterback Brendan Sorsby with no punishment to the institution. The student-athlete was cited for a Level III violation, with all penalties attached to Sorsby alone. The inquiry was reported July 8 as Cincinnati prepared for the season.
The NCAA has closed its investigation into University of Cincinnati Athletics regarding gambling activity by former quarterback Brendan Sorsby and imposed no punishment on the institution, according to an exclusive report in Yahoo College Football. Per UC Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications Zach Stipe, the NCAA enforcement staff found the student-athlete committed a Level III violation, which is classified as isolated and limited in nature. All penalties attach to the student-athlete alone; the institution, coaches, staff members, and other student-athletes face no sanctions. The inquiry was reported on July 8, as Cincinnati Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield and players were at Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas. The investigation examined prohibited betting activity that occurred during Sorsby's time at Cincinnati. According to court documents cited by Yahoo College Football, the only evidence involving Cincinnati was an August 2024 incident in which Sorsby attempted to access the ProhiBet app on his phone to reach Prize Picks, a prediction market. UC compliance investigated and determined that Sorsby was denied access to the app; therefore, did not gamble. The compliance office provided him educational assignments as required. Satterfield said the negativity of gambling is continually discussed with the team. Sorsby, after two seasons at Cincinnati posting records of 5-7 and 7-5, transferred to Texas Tech officially on January 4, 2026. . . The Big 12 later threatened sanctions against Texas Tech, which then ruled Sorsby ineligible. In late June, the league decided not to hold a 2026 supplemental draft. Cincinnati opens the season September 5 against Boston College. The UC Homecoming game against Texas Tech is set for October 24 at Nippert Stadium.
UC compliance found that Sorsby was denied access to the ProhiBet app on his phone in August 2024 when he tried to access Prize Picks and therefore did not actually gamble, yet the NCAA still assessed a Level III violation against the student-athlete.
Cincinnati enters its season opener with institutional clearance, but the Sorsby case itself remains unresolved across NCAA, Texas court, Big 12, and Texas Tech jurisdictions. How Sorsby's individual penalties evolve in those venues will test whether the NCAA's Level III finding stands as final or becomes subject to revision as additional facts emerge.
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