Samwise College Football Newsletter
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Enters Gambling Addiction Treatment Amid NCAA Investigation
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering a residential treatment facility for a gambling addiction and faces an NCAA investigation for placing thousands of bets via a mobile app, including on Indiana football games during his 2022 freshman redshirt year — though none occurred in games he participated in. Sorsby signed a reported $5 million transfer deal, the largest of January’s portal window, after stints at Indiana and Cincinnati. His eligibility for the 2026 season is uncertain pending the investigation. Any finding that Sorsby wagered on his own team or department events could cost him permanent eligibility. Texas Tech confirmed the news; the NCAA acknowledged the active probe.
Sources: CBS Sports, ESPN
Former Alabama DT Luther Davis Pleads Guilty to $20 Million NFL Player Impersonation Fraud
Former Alabama defensive tackle Luther Davis pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Atlanta to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Davis and co-conspirator CJ Evins defrauded lenders of nearly $20 million by impersonating NFL players — including Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., David Njoku, and Xavier McKinney — via video calls to secure fraudulent loans. Davis wore makeup and wigs during the scheme, which ran from May 2023 through October 2024. Proceeds funded real estate purchases and luxury goods. A national champion at Alabama, Davis faces up to seven years in prison, though prosecutors agreed to recommend a lighter sentence. Sentencing is set for October 8.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN
NCAA President Baker ‘Optimistic’ on Five-Year Age-Based Eligibility Rule Ahead of May 22 Vote
NCAA president Charlie Baker said he is “pretty optimistic” that the governing body’s proposed five-year age-based eligibility system will advance, with the Division I Board of Directors already expressing support. The proposal — sometimes called the “five-in-five” rule — would give athletes five full years of eligibility from their 19th birthday or high school graduation, eliminating redshirts and waiver exceptions. The Division I Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the measure on May 22, with possible implementation by fall 2026. The change would significantly reshape roster management across college football, ending a system coaches have used to retain players through medical redshirts and eligibility waivers.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN
Kiffin Wraps LSU’s First Spring on High Note; QB Sam Leavitt Healthy for Fall
Lane Kiffin has completed his first spring as LSU’s head coach, expressing optimism after watching his revamped roster take shape across 15 practices. Kiffin said the offensive line — the most critical piece of his new system — made the biggest strides, with so many new faces coming together faster than expected. Starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Arizona State recovering from foot surgery, was limited to 7-on-7 sessions but remains the clear starter for fall. Kiffin praised the culture and buy-in from both transfers and returning players on a roster built around a 40-man portal haul that ranked as college football’s top-rated transfer class.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports
Florida Makes Move on Nation’s Top 2027 Recruit as Texas Tech’s Hold on Jalen Brewster Loosens
Five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster — rated No. 1 overall by Rivals and committed to Texas Tech — received an in-home visit from Florida defensive line coach Gerald Chatman on Tuesday, the latest sign the Gators are serious about flipping the nation’s top 2027 recruit. Indiana, the reigning national champion, completed an official visit with Brewster earlier this month, and Miami is pursuing a May visit. Programs grew bolder after Texas Tech dismissed defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch, who was central to Brewster’s original recruitment. Sources say a flip remains a long shot, but the Red Raiders’ hold on the nation’s No. 1 prospect has clearly loosened.
Sources: Sports Illustrated
Final 2025 AP Top 10
2025 Season — Indiana CFP Champions
1. Indiana (16-0) — CFP Champion
2. Miami (13-3)
3. Ole Miss (13-2)
4. Oregon (13-2)
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Texas
8. Notre Dame
9. Alabama
10. Texas Tech
2026 Off-Season Outlook
2027 Recruiting Leaders
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas A&M
3. Georgia
4. Ohio State
5. Alabama
Top Transfer Class (2026)
1. LSU (Kiffin era begins)
No spring portal window in 2026
Season Starts
Week Zero: Aug. 27, 2026
Curated by JD · samwise.agency