Over the next month, NFL teams must determine their feelings of QB Brendan Sorsby – the player and the person. A potential first round talent marred in a gambling scandal that has him headed to the league, pending Roger Goodell’s approval, through July’s Supplemental Draft. Each organization will form their own opinions. Curt Cignetti, college football’s top coach, just made his feelings known.
“I know Brendan a little bit. He was actually in the program for about a week-and-half when I was hired,” Cignetti said during a Thursday appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. “I think he’s an outstanding quarterback and a great kid. I think he’s going to be a great pro with the proper support to overcome some of the issues he’s had.”
Sorsby and Cignetti briefly overlapped at Indiana. Sorsby played there in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, throwing for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns during the latter year. When Cignetti came aboard, Sorsby transferred out to Cincinnati, a move typical as a new head coach takes over and brings in his own players and scheme.
“I think he’s got a lot of talent, and there will be an NFL team real happy to have him,” Cignetti said.
Talent’s never been in question. Had Sorsby avoided the gambling scandal and played well at Texas Tech in 2026, he would’ve likely been a 2027 first rounder. Now, teams must determine if Sorsby is worth the risk. If a self-admitted gambling addiction, including betting on his own team while enrolled at Indiana, is worth the risk for a position that demands respect and commands leadership while being the face of the franchise.
Cignetti’s not one to give politically correct answers. His replies are as candid as anyone’s. In fact, during the interview, he intimated it was a positive that Sorsby would not be returning to play college football, calling out the court system for hamstringing the NCAA’s rules. Especially regarding something as serious as sports betting.
What makes Cignetti’s comments relevant is his connection to the Steelers. Cignetti is the brother of Frank Cignetti Jr., hired by Mike McCarthy as a Senior Offensive Assistant earlier this offseason.
Even if Cignetti’s time with Sorsby was minimal, he has some level of inside knowledge about him that most other coaches don’t possess. For NFL teams exploring every avenue to do their homecoming in truncated fashion, every opinion is key. Curt’s is presumably accessible to Frank and by extension, the Steelers.
Cignetti’s opinion is one of many. Teams will ask every personnel member possible for information and insight on Sorsby. Cignetti even admitted the Las Vegas Raiders didn’t once talk to him about No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, though he is as squeaky clean of a prospect as they come. If Pittsburgh wants one morsel of information on Sorsby, they have an easy path to begin gathering answers.
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