Texas Tech Lands Top Transfer Portal QB Brendan Sorsby

Former Cincinnati star to join Red Raiders for final season of eligibility

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:47am

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The 2026 NCAA transfer portal window for college football players closed two weeks ago, and one of the most impactful moves was former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby committing to Texas Tech. Sorsby, who was ranked as the top quarterback and overall player in the 2026 transfer cycle by ESPN's Max Olson, will have one season of eligibility with the Red Raiders.

Why it matters

Sorsby's transfer to Texas Tech is a major coup for the Red Raiders, who were able to beat out LSU and land the proven Big 12 starter and Texas native. As the No. 1 overall transfer, Sorsby has the potential to elevate Texas Tech's offense, which ranked second nationally in points per game last season before a shutout loss to Oregon in the CFP quarterfinals.

The details

Sorsby, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound quarterback, began his college career at Indiana in 2022 before transferring to Cincinnati in 2024. In his two seasons with the Bearcats, he threw for over 5,600 yards and 45 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,027 yards and 13 scores. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2025. Texas Tech has brought in 20 total transfers in the 2026 cycle, with Sorsby being the lone five-star prospect in the class.

  • Sorsby entered the transfer portal following the 2025 season.
  • He committed to Texas Tech on January 4, 2026.

The players

Brendan Sorsby

A 6-foot-3, 235-pound quarterback who was ranked as the No. 1 overall transfer and top quarterback in the 2026 cycle by ESPN.

Texas Tech

The college football program that landed Sorsby as a transfer, adding him to a 2026 recruiting class that ranks 9th nationally and 2nd in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma State.

Joey McGuire

The head coach of Texas Tech who made Sorsby the "Plan A" target for the Red Raiders in the 2026 transfer portal.

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What they’re saying

“The Red Raiders were not going to be outbid in their battle with LSU for Sorsby. He was the Plan A all along for coach Joey McGuire and his staff, a proven Big 12 starter and Texas native who can elevate an offense that ranked No. 2 nationally in points per game this season before the shutout loss to Oregon in the CFP quarterfinal.”

— Max Olson, ESPN Writer

What’s next

Sorsby will look to make an immediate impact for Texas Tech in the 2026 season as the Red Raiders aim to build on their strong 2025 campaign and compete for a Big 12 title.

The takeaway

Texas Tech's ability to land the top transfer quarterback in the 2026 cycle shows the program's growing appeal and the potential for Sorsby to be a game-changing addition for the Red Raiders as they seek to take the next step in the Big 12 and nationally.