Bill clears committee, Sorsby exits, Moore #1 (2026)

Week of June 15–22, 2026 | Offseason digest — AP Top 25 resumes in August

Three things broke open this week that have been building for months. On Thursday, June 18, the Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to advance the Protect College Sports Act to the full Senate floor — the first time a college sports reform bill has cleared a Senate committee in history. 1 On the same day Brendan Sorsby dropped his lawsuit against the NCAA and entered the NFL supplemental draft, ending a nine-month eligibility battle that fractured the Big 12 and turned five state attorneys general against one another. 2 And on the 2027 Draft front, multiple analysts moved Oregon's Dante Moore to QB1, pushing Arch Manning to second or third — a consensus shift that looked impossible three months ago.

This is the digest for June 15–22.

Protect College Sports Act: 19-9 in committee, July floor vote targeted

The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 on June 18 to advance S.4668 — the Protect College Sports Act authored by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) — to the full Senate. 1 The breakdown: 13 Republicans and 6 Democrats voted yes; 7 Democrats and 2 Republicans voted no. The two Republican "no" votes were Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) — both from states with SEC or Big Ten schools. 3

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) voted for the bill and says he intends to bring it to the floor. Cruz told reporters the floor vote will come in July, before Congress leaves for its August recess on August 10. 4 The bill needs 60 votes in a 53-47 Republican Senate. Cruz's stated position: "I believe this bill is going to pass." 1

Cruz and Cantwell at Senate Commerce Committee markup dais — Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) at the Senate Commerce Committee dais during the June 18 markup of the Protect College Sports Act. 1

What changed in the markup. Three amendments were adopted before the vote. The first extended scholarship and roster protections for women's and Olympic sports from only schools that opt into media rights pooling to all Division I programs reporting at least $80 million in annual athletic revenue at or above 2024-25 levels — detaching the protections from the media pooling mechanism entirely. 1 The second broadened the anti-expansion provision: the revenue threshold triggering it dropped from $1 billion to $700 million, pulling the ACC and Big 12 inside its scope alongside the SEC and Big Ten, and added a prohibition on outside firms establishing a super league. Cantwell called this a "concession" to try to win over the big conferences — it didn't work. 5 The third tightened restrictions on mid-season coaching changes — language that emerged directly from Lane Kiffin's move from Ole Miss to LSU during the 2025 College Football Playoff. 6

Two amendments were voted down: Sen. Tammy Baldwin's (D-WI) proposal to prevent private equity from poaching conference members failed, and Sen. Roger Wicker's (R-MS) attempt to modify Section 114 — which limits third-party NIL compensation from entities closely affiliated with schools — was rejected. 5 The private right of action provision, which allows athletes to sue schools directly over NIL rights, health and safety, and scholarships, remained intact — the SEC's single biggest complaint. 7

Cantwell on the commissioners. The sharpest moment of the day came when Cantwell spent three minutes publicly rebuking SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. She accused the conference commissioners of "intimidating" member schools through scheduling threats, and described a pre-markup call with senators where university presidents could only read a prepared statement without asking questions unless commissioners approved it. Her read: the conferences were treating university presidents as proxies. 5

"People have to wake up," Cantwell said. "The politics of these commissioners moving around deck chairs with realignment and making millions of dollars themselves and not thinking about the broad interest to solve these problems has led us to this point." 5

The SEC and Big Ten had released a joint statement that same morning: "From the outset, we identified a set of essential revisions to the PCSA necessary for the long-term sustainability of college athletics... Despite our sustained engagement and good faith efforts, these critical revisions have not been accepted." 1 Later Thursday, the conferences' presidential board chairs released a separate statement saying Cantwell's comments did not "accurately reflect the process." 7

Eight of the 19 "yes" votes came from senators representing states with an SEC or Big Ten school. Seven of the nine "no" votes came from that same footprint. The geographic split suggests the conferences' lobbying retained meaningful ground even as it failed to block the committee vote. 1

The road from committee to law. Getting to 60 Senate votes requires peeling away at least seven Democrats or two additional Republicans — or both. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) voted yes "with reluctance" and publicly said she expects changes before floor consideration. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) voted yes but said "there's more work to be done." Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), a Congressional Black Caucus member, voted no; the CBC has urged a pause until college athletic leaders meaningfully address racial representation concerns. 3 4

Then there is the House. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) — both from SEC-footprint states — have opposed the bill. Scalise has called it "dead on arrival" in the House. Cruz's counter: a large bipartisan Senate vote creates momentum, and the president has been publicly supportive. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) has said he won't vote for any sports legislation that does not ban transgender athletes from competing, a position that creates another potential vote-counting problem. 5 8

Cruz's framing on his podcast "Verdict": "If the system continues on the path it's on, there are only two schools that I am certain would survive — University of Texas and Texas A&M." 8 Whether that survives as rhetoric or calculates as a real vote-gathering argument is something the July floor debate will answer.

Former Auburn and Ole Miss coach Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), speaking on the Senate floor on June 17, opposed the bill without a committee vote: "Trust me, if I thought it'd work, I'd support it. Unfortunately, it gets too deep into the businesses of universities, conferences and athletics departments while doing far too little to give the student-athlete the stability and clarity that, actually, they need." Tuberville co-sponsors the Student Athlete Act of 2026 (with Rep. Greg Steube, R-FL), which proposes a 5-year eligibility cap and a single free transfer — an alternative bill that saw no movement this week. 1 7

The Sorsby exit: how the Big 12's federal lawsuit ended it

When the Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit in Dallas at roughly midnight on June 15, the ground shifted under Texas Tech's risk calculation in a way that three months of NCAA appeals and conference objections had not managed. 9

The suit — Big 12 v. Paxton et al., filed in the Northern District of Texas — named Texas AG Ken Paxton, Texas Tech University, the Texas Tech system, president Brandon Creighton, university president Lawrence Schovanec, and AD Kirby Hocutt as defendants. The legal theory leaned on the First Amendment's freedom of association, plus antitrust and commerce clause arguments, using Sidley Austin as outside counsel. The conference sought a declaratory judgment confirming it has the right under its own bylaws — specifically Section 3.6 — to sanction member schools. As precedent, the complaint cited Baylor: in 2017, the Big 12 withheld 25% of Baylor's revenue distribution, eventually exceeding $14 million, over the sexual assault scandal. Texas Tech had voted in favor of that sanction at the time. 9

Sports attorney Tom Mars — who has run similar court strategies himself — assessed it bluntly: "Checkmate. [The Paxton letter] was a misstep of epic proportions to say the least because without that letter, there's no [Big 12] lawsuit." 2

Big 12 lawsuit composite graphic showing Sorsby in Texas Tech uniform and Ken Paxton — The Big 12's June 15 federal lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas AG Ken Paxton over the Brendan Sorsby eligibility dispute. 9

The five-state AG proxy war. Before the lawsuit, five state attorneys general had lined up on opposite sides of this fight:

Texas AG Ken Paxton (supporting Texas Tech): Sent a June 13 letter threatening more than $200 million in antitrust liability if the Big 12 sanctioned Texas Tech. 10
Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond (supporting Big 12): Called Paxton's theory "facially absurd" and asked the conference to sanction Texas Tech. 11
Kansas AG Kris Kobach (supporting Big 12): Wrote that Paxton's letter was "poorly reasoned" and offered to provide amicus support or other assistance if Paxton's office took further action. 12
Utah AG Derek Brown (supporting Big 12): Wrote in support, with Governor Spencer Cox co-signing. 10
Colorado AG Phil Weiser (supporting Big 12): Expected to join the coalition, per CBS Sports. 10

The same day the Big 12 filed its federal suit, the NCAA filed an emergency motion to stay in Texas's Seventh District Court of Appeals in Amarillo — asking the court to pause Judge Ken Curry's June 8 injunction and demanding expedited resolution by August 28. The NCAA argued Curry had "converted a settlement offer into a mandatory injunction" beyond what Texas law permits. The filing warned the ruling "incentivizes a run on courthouses across the country to challenge even the most obvious and straightforward student-athlete eligibility decisions." 13

How Sorsby's decision came together. On the evening of June 15, Sorsby met with Texas Tech's leadership — Hocutt, Schovanec, board chair Cody Campbell, and coach Joey McGuire — for more than three hours in Lubbock. The math on the table was merciless: the Big 12 federal lawsuit, the NCAA appeal, the supplemental draft deadline of June 22, and the impossibility of resolving four separate legal proceedings before September's opener. 2

Around 8 p.m. that Sunday, McGuire informed the team. Campbell called the decision "gut-wrenching" and said it was "purely an output of practical analysis of the situation." 2 To apply for the supplemental draft, Sorsby first had to be rendered ineligible again by the NCAA — meaning he had to drop his lawsuit. He did so formally on June 18, filing dismissal papers in the 99th District Court on June 19. 14

Sorsby posted on Instagram: "I am grateful for the support from my family, my Tech coaching staff, teammates, the community, and so many others who have encouraged me to address and learn more about this important issue. As my journey continues, I remain fully committed to and focused on being the best I can be, both on and off the field." 2

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark with Big 12 championship trophy alongside Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark (left) with Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire at the 2025 Big 12 Championship — a partnership that publicly collapsed over the Sorsby eligibility fight this week. 15

The damage to Texas Tech's conference standing. Georgia and Nebraska had already sent all-school memos prohibiting games against Texas Tech in any sport. Michigan canceled a scheduled matchup. A third school, in softball, also reportedly joined. 16 17 A Big 12 AD told The Athletic: "There's a lot of hurt feelings." The Big 12's board of directors statement on June 15 was direct: "Universities should not field players who have bet on their own team's games in college athletics." 15 Brett Yormark's statement the next day: "The Big 12 looks forward to moving ahead as 16 strong. We wish Brendan Sorsby success in his future endeavors." 2

The cost to Sorsby: his estimated 2026 NIL contract worth more than $4 million annually is gone, Adidas and other sponsors have pulled out, and legal bills have reportedly exceeded $1 million. Texas Tech has said it will not recoup the roughly $1 million in NIL payments already made, and will continue providing rehabilitation resources. 2

What happens next with the NFL. The supplemental draft application deadline was June 22. A Pro Day is tentatively scheduled for July 10 in Dallas, with all 32 NFL teams expected to attend. The NFL has not yet approved his supplemental draft eligibility — a decision that typically takes several weeks. 18 Multiple talent evaluators project a second- or third-round supplemental pick; his pre-Sorsby-saga market value in the 2027 regular draft had been projected in the first or second round. 18 Two anonymous league officials told The Athletic they consider it "highly unlikely" the NFL would impose a suspension matching the NCAA's discipline, citing recent precedents involving Jim Harbaugh and Kayshon Boutte. ESPN's Rich Cimini noted, however, that gambling carries a distinct stigma in the NFL that other off-field issues do not. 19

Texas Tech's QB room without Sorsby: Will Hammond (recovering from an ACL, expected back around Week 3 vs. Houston), Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis, and redshirt freshman Lloyd Jones III. The program's national championship odds widened from +1,500 to +1,600–+2,200 across major sportsbooks following the news, reflecting uncertainty about the September depth chart. 20

2027 Draft: Moore takes the QB1 lead, recruiting reshuffles

The mock draft consensus shift. Three separate analyst outputs this week put Oregon QB Dante Moore at or above Texas QB Arch Manning in 2027 Draft projections:

Pro Football Network's Josh Weil (June 20 mock, via Yahoo Sports): Moore #1 overall to the Arizona Cardinals, Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith #2 to Miami, Manning #3 to the New York Jets. 21
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling (June 15 mock): Moore #1 to Miami, Manning #2 to the Jets — under the explicit headline "Are We Sure Arch Manning Is QB1?" 22
PFN's Ian Cummings (June 15 QB board): Moore #1, Manning #2, Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker #3, Notre Dame's CJ Carr #4, Minnesota's Drake Lindsey #5. 23

DraftTek's June 15 Revision 2 mock kept Manning #1 overall to Miami and Moore #2 to the Jets — the prior consensus — meaning the analyst community is genuinely split as of this week for the first time. 24

Moore threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2025 and chose not to enter the 2026 draft. PFN's QB Impact metric grades him at 85.9. Cummings: "He's kind of in the mold of C.J. Stroud" — combining in-structure operation with out-of-structure creativity. On Manning: "He's got the legacy, he's got the pedigree. Still needs to become a little bit more accurate." 23 Easterling framed it simply: if Manning's inconsistencies from his first year as full-time starter carry into 2026, Moore's "polished skill set, track record of consistency and success could give him the nod." 22

Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns across 13 starts in 2025 and returns as a Heisman favorite in 2026. The 2026 season will effectively settle this argument.

Split graphic of Oregon QB Dante Moore (#5) and Texas QB Arch Manning (#16) from PFN — PFN's June 20 mock draft flipped the consensus, projecting Moore #1 to Arizona and Manning #3 to the Jets — the first major aggregator movement away from Manning at the top spot. 21

Ahmad Hardy: still weight-bearing only. Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy — the 2025 SEC rushing leader with 1,647 yards and 16 touchdowns, shot in the upper leg on May 10 in Laurel, Mississippi — remains on a weight-bearing-only protocol as of June 14. Coach Eli Drinkwitz at a Kansas City fan event: "Progressing well. Still working back. Not fully acclimated back to walking yet. I shouldn't say 'walking.' Weight-bearing is more accurate." Hardy is attending 6 a.m. team meetings and spending roughly three hours daily in the training room. Drinkwitz's biggest stated challenge: "holding him back" because Hardy wants to push faster than his doctors recommend. No return timeline has been set. 25 Athlon's Easterling projects Hardy at #29 overall to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2027 first round — contingent on a full recovery. 22

Recruiting: a wave of five-star commitments. ESPN published its updated 2027 recruiting class rankings on June 19. Texas A&M holds #1 with 14 SC Next 300 commits, including six players ranked top-3 at their respective positions. 26

Three commitments this week reshaped the board:

John Meredith III → Texas (June 19). ESPN's #2 overall recruit and #1 cornerback in the 2027 class chose the Longhorns over Texas A&M after official visits to both schools. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth ran a laser-timed 4.42 forty. He was ruled ineligible for his senior year on June 11 for transferring for athletic purposes and is expected to appeal. ESPN's Tom Luginbill: "The exciting thing about him is he's just getting started on defense, which gives him such great upside for the next level." Texas jumped from #21 to #10 in ESPN's updated rankings after this commit and a second five-star WR in Easton Royal. 26 27

Dakota Guerrant → Oregon (June 16). Five-star WR Dakota Guerrant announced live on the Pat McAfee Show, choosing Oregon over his home-state Michigan Wolverines. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout from Harper Woods, Michigan amassed 140-plus receptions and 60 touchdowns through his first three high school seasons and plans to early enroll in January 2027. "Oregon was really always my dream school, growing up," he said. "When they started recruiting me, it felt like family from the start." Oregon climbed from #13 to #9 in ESPN's updated rankings. 28

Kaden Henderson → Texas A&M (June 19). ESPN's #1 outside linebacker in the 2027 class committed to the Aggies on the Pat McAfee Show, giving Mike Elko six commitments ranked in the top three at their respective positions. 26 ESPN describes Elko's approach as "tapping into his defensive roots" — the Aggies' class is built around pass rushers and secondary talent to reload a unit that ranked among the best at generating sacks in 2025.

Also notable: Texas Tech jumped from #11 to #5 in ESPN's rankings — the program's highest-ever ranking in that system — led by #1 overall recruit Jalen Brewster (DT) and five-star DE Anthony Sweeney. The Sorsby situation moved the recruiting class rankings in the opposite direction from the national championship futures market. 26

National championship futures as of June 20–21. Ohio State holds at +550–+600 across FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, and Caesars as the outright favorite. Texas is +650–+750. Defending national champion Indiana is +750–+850, co-third at most books. Notre Dame is +600–+700, Oregon +800, Georgia +850–+1,000. Texas Tech has drifted to +1,600–+2,200 from +1,500 following Sorsby's departure. LSU ranges widely from +1,000 to +2,200 depending on the book. 20

What to watch

Three storylines with near-term resolution windows:

Senate floor vote timing: Cruz says July, before the August 10 recess. Watch for whether any SEC or Big Ten school publicly breaks from the joint opposition — that's the tell for whether the 60-vote threshold becomes reachable. The current math doesn't get there without at least five Democrats who have not yet committed.
NFL supplemental draft eligibility ruling: The league typically takes several weeks to decide. If approved, the supplemental draft must occur at least seven days before the first training camp on July 23 per the CBA — meaning a decision is coming quickly. The July 10 Pro Day in Dallas is the first substantive data point for evaluators.
Texas A&M's recruiting lead: With less than 25% of the SC Next 300 still uncommitted, the summer commit window is closing. Texas A&M's gap over #2 Oklahoma is meaningful now; by late July, the class hierarchies will be largely set until December's early signing period.

Cover image: U.S. Capitol Building, June 18, 2026. Photo via CBS Sports.

Bill clears committee, Sorsby exits, Moore #1

Protect College Sports Act: 19-9 in committee, July floor vote targeted

The Sorsby exit: how the Big 12's federal lawsuit ended it

2027 Draft: Moore takes the QB1 lead, recruiting reshuffles

What to watch

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