Samwise College Football Newsletter
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
NCAA Denies Texas Tech QB Sorsby's Reinstatement Petition; Court Date Set for June 1
The NCAA denied Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's petition for reinstatement on Monday, ruling he remains ineligible for the 2026 season after admitting to betting on Indiana games in 2022. Sorsby, who completed a 35-day inpatient rehabilitation program at Algamus Recovery Centers, had hoped to return to the field for the Red Raiders. Texas Tech will appeal the ruling, with a court hearing set for June 1 in Lubbock County. Backup signal-caller Will Hammond is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to be cleared by August 21. The NFL supplemental draft deadline falls on June 22.
Sources: Yahoo Sports / Athlon Sports
ESPN Drops Full Early-Season 2026 Schedule: Clemson-LSU, Ohio State-Texas Headline Prime Slots
ESPN on Wednesday released its full Weeks 0–3 college football broadcast schedule for 2026, headlined by a pair of global games on opening weekend. The season opens August 29 in Dublin with North Carolina facing TCU at noon on ESPN, while NC State meets Virginia in Brazil at 3:30 p.m. The Labor Day ABC tripleheader September 5 culminates with Clemson at LSU at 7:30 p.m. in prime time. Ohio State visits Texas on September 12 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, and Lane Kiffin returns to the SEC spotlight when LSU travels to Ole Miss on September 19, also at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
Sources: ESPN Press Room
SEC Officials Signal Growing Support for Collective Bargaining With Athletes at Spring Meetings
At the SEC spring meetings in Miramar Beach, Florida, conference presidents and athletic directors signaled growing openness to collective bargaining with athletes as a mechanism for stabilizing exploding NIL-era roster costs. “I never thought I’d say it, but I’m there on employment,” one SEC president told Yahoo Sports. Football rosters are projected to exceed $60 million by the next transfer window, with SEC programs averaging $30 to $35 million in 2026. The College Sports Commission has already rejected over $100 million in NIL submissions since January 1. Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko warned some programs could face bankruptcy if current spending trajectories continue.
Sources: Yahoo Sports (Ross Dellenger)
Sankey Pumps Brakes on CFP Expansion as SEC Spring Meetings Open in Destin
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey opened the conference’s annual spring meetings in Destin, Florida, with a clear message: do not expect a College Football Playoff expansion vote. “I do not anticipate any decisions on the College Football Playoff,” Sankey told reporters, adding, “We have time.” While the Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 have all publicly backed a 24-team field, the SEC remains the lone holdout, with its coaches and athletic directors split on the format. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart cited the SEC Championship Game’s financial value as a concern. The CFP’s executive committee faces a December 1 deadline for any expansion decision.
Sources: Yahoo Sports / WSB Cox, CBS Sports
Final AP Top 10 — 2025 Season
★ Indiana won the 2025 CFP Championship
1. Indiana (16-0) 🏆
2. Miami (13-3)
3. Ole Miss (13-2)
4. Oregon (13-2)
5. Ohio State (12-2)
6. Georgia
7. Texas Tech
8. Texas A&M
9. Alabama
10. Notre Dame
2026 Season Outlook
Season begins August 29
Week 0: NC vs. TCU — Dublin, Ireland
Week 0: NC State vs. Virginia — Brazil
Sept. 5: Clemson at LSU (ABC, 7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 12: Ohio State at Texas (ABC, 7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 19: LSU at Ole Miss (ABC, 7:30 p.m.)
CFP Format (12 teams — decision pending)
Expansion deadline: December 1, 2026
Curated by JD · samwise.agency