NCAA opens inquiry into Cincinnati over Brendan Sorsby gambling case

The NCAA has opened an inquiry into the University of Cincinnati over former quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s gambling case, according to reporting published by Yahoo Sports and republished by the New York Post.

Cincinnati said it has been in continuous contact with the NCAA since the first reports of impermissible sports wagering and does not believe any athletics official or staff member was aware of it. The NCAA declined to comment, citing its policy of not discussing ongoing investigations.

The reported letter of inquiry adds another layer to a case that has already affected Sorsby’s eligibility, transfer situation and public profile. It also raises new questions about whether the school could face scrutiny over what it knew, and when it knew it.

How the case escalated

Sorsby’s gambling case first surfaced publicly in April, when ESPN reported he was under NCAA investigation for sports gambling and would seek treatment. In June, the Associated Press reported that a Texas judge granted him a temporary injunction allowing him to play despite an NCAA ban.

The AP also reported that Sorsby acknowledged placing more than $90,000 in impermissible bets during his college career. He later dropped his lawsuit against the NCAA.

In June, the New York Post reported that Sorsby’s agent claimed Cincinnati knew about the gambling activity, a claim the school denied.

Why Cincinnati now matters

The latest reporting shifts the focus from Sorsby alone to Cincinnati’s compliance response. If NCAA investigators conclude the school knew or should have known about the wagering, the university could face institutional consequences.

That risk makes the inquiry important beyond one player. It could affect Cincinnati’s compliance standing and expose the program to sanctions if violations are found.

What happens next

Cincinnati is expected to respond to the NCAA’s request for information. The key unresolved questions are what specifically prompted the letter, whether the inquiry centers on staff knowledge or reporting obligations, and whether the NCAA will escalate the matter into a formal infractions case.

The controversy continues to draw wider attention in the sport. On July 7, Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said the issue had brought his team closer, while Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark declined to discuss it publicly at conference media days.