Samwise College Football Newsletter
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Retains High-Profile Attorney to Fight NCAA Gambling Probe
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has retained Jeffrey Kessler, the antitrust attorney who won the landmark House v. NCAA case, to fight an NCAA gambling investigation that threatens his college eligibility. ESPN reported that Sorsby allegedly placed thousands of online bets via gambling apps dating back to 2022 while enrolled at Indiana, including wagers on Indiana football games, though he did not bet on games in which he played. Sorsby entered a residential treatment program for gambling addiction and has taken indefinite leave. Under NCAA rules, betting on one's own school carries potential permanent ineligibility. Kessler is prepared to take the NCAA to court if negotiations fail.
Sources: ESPN
Big Ten Distributes Record $1.37 Billion to Members, Topping SEC Per-School Average for First Time
The Big Ten Conference announced it distributed a record $1.37 billion to its 18 member schools for the 2024–25 fiscal year, surpassing the SEC's average payout for the first time and averaging $76.1 million per school versus the SEC's $72.4 million. The conference attributed the surge primarily to the first full year of its new media rights agreements, expanded College Football Playoff revenue, and the addition of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington. Ohio State led all schools with $91.57 million following its College Football Playoff championship run. Oregon and Washington, still on partial revenue shares through 2030, received $48.4 million and $46.7 million respectively.
Sources: CBS Sports
Texas Tops College Football's Toughest 2026 Schedules With Eight Ranked Opponents Post-Spring
CBS Sports ranked Texas as college football's toughest 2026 schedule, with the Longhorns facing eight opponents from the post-spring top 25. The gauntlet includes matchups against Ohio State, Tennessee, and Oklahoma without a favorable stretch to recover. Oklahoma ranks second with seven ranked opponents, opening with back-to-back games against Michigan and Georgia in September. Ohio State lands third, facing what head coach Ryan Day called the toughest schedule he has seen in Columbus. Post-spring analysis also elevated Miami, Indiana, and Notre Dame as teams with punishing slates. The SEC and Big Ten dominate the rankings, underscoring how depth across both conferences translates directly into scheduling difficulty for elite programs.
Sources: CBS Sports
Minnesota QB Drake Lindsey Arrested on Underage Drinking and Fake ID Charges
Minnesota starting quarterback Drake Lindsey was arrested early Friday in Fayetteville, Arkansas on charges of underage possession of alcohol and possessing a fake ID. Lindsey, 20, was at a local bar when staff called police about a suspicious ID; he admitted to carrying the fake card and consuming alcohol before entering. The quarterback posted a $470 bond and was released approximately seven hours after arrest, with court dates set for June 1 and June 29. Lindsey completed his freshman season as Minnesota's starter this past fall, going a school-record 13-0 and throwing for 2,382 yards and 18 touchdowns. The university said it will address the situation internally.
Sources: CBS Sports
Washington Huskies Close Spring With Optimism as Fisch Eyes 2026 Bounce-Back Season
The Washington Huskies concluded their spring football work Saturday at Husky Stadium, with head coach Jedd Fisch declaring the program stronger and faster than a year ago. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. connected with Rashid Williams on a 43-yard touchdown to lead the offensive highlight reel, while linebacker Donovan Robinson returned an interception 56 yards for a score on defense. Freshman running back Ansu Sanoe, listed at 241 pounds, drew attention with his blend of power and quickness, and incoming offensive lineman Kodi Greene impressed coaches as well. The Huskies are aiming for a bounce-back 2026 campaign after falling short of expectations last season under Fisch.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Final 2025 AP Top 10
Post-CFP Championship — Off-Season
1. Indiana (16-0) — National Champions
2. Miami (13-3)
3. Ole Miss (13-2)
4. Oregon (13-2)
5. Ohio State (12-2)
6. Georgia (12-2)
7. Texas Tech (12-2)
8. Texas A&M (11-2)
9. Alabama (11-4)
10. Notre Dame (10-2)
2027 Recruiting Class Leaders
Early May Rankings — Class of 2027
1. Texas A&M — 14 commits
2. Texas Tech — incl. No. 1 overall Jalen Brewster
3. Oklahoma — 20 pledges, 2 five-stars
4. Florida — strong April additions
5. Georgia — 4-star CB Jerry Outhouse committed
Transfer Portal
2026 portal window closed Jan. 16
3,200+ FBS players entered this cycle
Curated by JD · samwise.agency