Texas Tech is set to make a major financial statement in the transfer portal era.
According to On3, Brendan Sorsby will receive approximately $5 million from the Texas Tech Red Raiders for the 2026 season. A landmark deal that places him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in college football history.
Sorsby committed to Texas Tech on Sunday night after visiting both the Red Raiders and the LSU Tigers. The Cincinnati quarterback was viewed as the most experienced starter available this cycle. He was widely expected to command between $4 million and $5 million on the open market, according to sources.
The agreement continues the rapid escalation of quarterback compensation. Georgia transfer Carson Beck signed with the Miami Hurricanes last year on a deal worth $3 million to $3.5 million with incentives that could push it higher, while Duke quarterback Darian Mensah earned roughly $4 million in 2025 after transferring from the Tulane Green Wave.
Texas Tech’s spending has been fueled in part by billionaire booster Cody Campbell. He told On3 that Sorsby personally called him and an NFL MVP to share the news.“He just called me and Patrick Mahomes to tell us he’s coming to win a natty!” Campbell said via text.
After winning the Big 12 title and reaching the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, Texas Tech believes the addition of Sorsby brings it a step closer to national championship contention.
More college football news:
- Oregon's Dan Lanning rips College Football Playoff, calls for major changes
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Top 2026 NFL Draft prospect suffers broken rib in CFP quarterfinal loss
- ESPN's grade for LSU hiring Lane Kiffin will make Ole Miss fans even more mad
- Dabo Swinney fires Clemson coaches immediately after loss to Penn State
- Ohio State's Ryan Day faces backlash after Cotton Bowl