The NCAA has closed its inquiry into former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, and the Bearcats are walking away without punishment.
The case centered on Sorsby’s gambling activity while he was at UC, and the NCAA ultimately determined he committed a Level III violation. That designation is considered isolated and limited in nature, and the penalties stay with the student-athlete rather than the school.
UC confirmed the matter was resolved in a statement released by Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications Zach Stipe:
"Earlier this summer, NCAA enforcement staff completed an inquiry into a former Cincinnati student-athlete’s prohibited betting activity during his time at the university. The inquiry is now closed, and the student-athlete was found to have committed a Level III violation.
A Level III violation is considered isolated and limited in nature. All penalties for this violation are attached to the student-athlete and not the institution or other coaches, staff members or student-athletes.
Cincinnati worked closely with the NCAA throughout the process, which began when the initial reports of impermissible sports wagering began."
The inquiry had first surfaced on July 8, while Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield and players were at Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas, previewing the season. When The Enquirer asked Satterfield about it from the podium, he declined comment.
Court documents showed the only Cincinnati-related evidence involved an August 2024 incident tied to the ProhiBet app on Sorsby’s phone. He was attempting to access Prize Picks, a prediction market, but UC compliance found he was denied access to the app and therefore did not gamble.
Compliance also gave him educational assignments as required. Satterfield later said the negativity of gambling is discussed continually.
Sorsby’s path away from Cincinnati moved quickly after two seasons that ended 5-7 and 7-5. He officially transferred to Texas Tech on Jan.
- The Big 12 then threatened sanctions against Texas Tech, which ruled Sorsby ineligible.
The NFL supplemental draft was the next possible step for Sorsby’s team, but the league said in late June it would not hold a 2026 supplemental draft.
About two weeks later, the NCAA’s letter of inquiry arrived on UC’s scheduled appearance day at the annual Big 12 media gathering in Frisco.
Now Cincinnati turns the page to the field, opening Sept. 5 against Boston College. Texas Tech remains on the schedule, and the homecoming game against the Red Raiders is set for Oct. 24 at Nippert Stadium.
The matchup would have carried even more electricity had Sorsby still been at quarterback, but it still stands out as a key game on the Bearcats’ slate. It also comes one day after UC inducts Jason Kelce, Connor Barwin, Bob Huggins and several other legends into the James P.
Kelly UC Athletic Hall of Fame.
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Cincinnati got the resolution it had been waiting on in the Brendan Sorsby betting case, with the NCAA clearing the athletics department of any wrongdoing and deciding the school will not face punishment. The ruling leaves the violation entirely on Sorsby, whom the NCAA classified as a Level III case, meaning it was isolated to the student-athlete and did not carry penalties for the university or its staff.
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