Justin Williams
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Senior writer for @TheAthletic, covering college football and basketball. Proud @ohiou alum. | Email: jwilliams@theathletic.com
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Articles by Justin Williams
Texans & Football Fans Rage At Ken Paxton Pocketing $275K From Texas Tech Chair In Alleged Pay To Play
NYT’s The Athletic: “Texas Tech booster donated $274K one day before Texas AG Ken Paxton’s Brendan Sorsby letter” USA Today: “Cody Campbell donated to Ken Paxton.
Justin Williams' Steve Ellis Co-Beat Writer of the Year Sample: Are Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State going to quit each other?
Justin Williams By Justin Williams The Athletic There will be scant traces of last season Saturday when Oklahoma State football travels to face No. 6 Oregon. Aside from head coach Mike Gundy and the Cowboys’ customary orange-and-black uniforms, the roster and coaching staff have been largely overhauled, stripped to the studs and refurbished. But the turmoil of the 2024 season still lingers. Oklahoma State ended last year with a 52-0 loss to Colorado on Nov. 29.
Texas Tech booster donated $274K one day before Texas AG Ken Paxton’s Brendan Sorsby letter
One day before the office of Texas attorney general Ken Paxton released a letter threatening legal action against the Big 12 conference if it moved to sanction Texas Tech over quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility saga, Texas Tech board of regents chair and billionaire booster Cody Campbell donated $274,300 in support of Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.
Justin Williams' Steve Ellis Co-Beat Writer of the Year Sample: 'Everyone Loves Joey'
Justin Williams By Justin Williams The Athletic (First of a series) Somewhere high above the plains of West Texas, the Big 12 championship trophy sat buckled safely beside Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire, headed home to Lubbock. McGuire’s wife, Debbie, stayed behind in Dallas with family following the Red Raiders’ conference title win over BYU on Dec. 6. It saved her husband from a difficult decision on seating arrangements. “The trophy was strapped into her seat,” said McGuire.
Ohio judge grants injunction to basketball players challenging new NCAA eligibility rules
Ohio judge Christopher Wagner granted a temporary injunction on Thursday to 15 Division I college basketball players whose eligibility ran out after this past season, allowing them an opportunity to return for another year after they argued the NCAA unfairly excluded them from its new age-based eligibility rule.
Ohio judge grants injunction to basketball players challenging new NCAA eligibility rules
Ohio judge Christopher Wagner granted a temporary injunction on Thursday to 15 Division I college basketball players whose eligibility ran out after this past season, allowing them an opportunity to return for another year after they argued the NCAA unfairly excluded them from its new age-based eligibility rule.
Former Kentucky, Arizona basketball player Kerr Kriisa indicted in $2.2 million fraud scheme Original
A U.S. District Court in West Virginia indicted former NCAA men’s basketball player Kerr Kriisa on five counts of wire fraud amounting to at least $2.2 million, the court announced Monday. Kriisa, 25, was arrested Friday in Lexington, Ky., and remained in custody at the Fayette County Detention Center as of Monday morning, according to public information officer Matt LeMonds.
NFL clears Brendan Sorsby to pursue 2027 NFL Draft amid gambling saga
Former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby said Tuesday that he is focused on preparing for the 2027 NFL Draft, publicly putting an end to any attempts to play football in 2026 or challenge the league’s decision to not hold a supplemental draft for him. The NFL sent a memo to its 32 teams on Tuesday, informing them that Sorsby would not be pursuing litigation against the league. “For purposes of League and CBA rules, Mr. Sorsby will be considered a ‘Draft-Eligible’ player for the 2027 NFL Draft.
NFL won’t hold supplemental draft in 2026, denying Brendan Sorsby’s application
The NFL will not hold a supplemental draft in 2026, thereby making Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby ineligible, according to a letter reviewed by The Athletic. The 22-year-old Sorsby, who transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech this offseason, announced his intention to enter the supplemental draft on June 15, one week before Monday’s application deadline.
Why Texas Tech, Brendan Sorsby gave up the fight roiling college football Original
Brendan Sorsby met with a group of Texas Tech officials and administrators on Sunday night in Lubbock, Texas. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt, university president Lawrence Schovanec, Board of Regents chair Cody Campbell and head football coach Joey McGuire were all there, among others. For some, it was the first genuine opportunity to speak with the quarterback since he returned to campus after a month-long stay in an Arizona residential treatment facility for his gambling addiction.
Brendan Sorsby plans to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, ending saga at Texas Tech Original
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby plans to apply to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, ending the drama over whether he would be eligible to play for the Red Raiders this year despite violating NCAA gambling rules.
Big 12 files lawsuit seeking to clear way to sanction Texas Tech for playing Brendan Sorsby
The Big 12 filed a lawsuit in federal court Monday over the Brendan Sorsby saga, asking the court to bar Texas Tech and the state attorney general from preventing the league from sanctioning Texas Tech if the quarterback plays for the Red Raiders. The filing lists the Texas Tech University System, its chancellor, president, athletic director Kirby Hocutt and Texas attorney general Ken Paxton as defendants. Last week, Paxton sent a letter to the Big 12 warning against any sanctions against Tech.
Inside the Big 12’s Brendan Sorsby fallout, from ‘rock bottom’ to the doorstep of a battle Original
“Feeling very despondent, angry, frustrated,” one Big 12 athletic director said at a convention for college sports administrators in Las Vegas, just a couple of hours after the order came down last Monday out of a district court in Lubbock County.
Big 12 files lawsuit seeking to clear way to sanction Texas Tech for playing Brendan Sorsby
The Big 12 filed a lawsuit in federal court Monday over the Brendan Sorsby saga, asking the court to bar Texas Tech and the state attorney general from preventing the league from sanctioning Texas Tech if the quarterback plays for the Red Raiders.
Oklahoma AG recommends Big 12 sanction Texas Tech over Brendan Sorbsy case
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond recommended to the Big 12 Conference on Friday that it take action against Texas Tech in the wake of a controversial court ruling restoring quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility after he admitted to gambling on his own team.
Oklahoma AG recommends Big 12 sanction Texas Tech over Brendan Sorbsy case
Drummond made his recommendation in a letter written in response to missives sent to the league Thursday by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Jeffrey Kessler, Sorsby's lawyer, in which they each warned that any sanctions imposed by the Big 12 against Texas Tech or Sorsby would be considered "unlawful" and would be met with legal action.
Texas AG warns Big 12 against ‘unlawful’ sanctions toward Texas Tech over Brendan Sorsby Original
The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a formal letter to the Big 12 Conference on Thursday on behalf of Texas Tech University, stating any sanctions imposed by the Big 12 against Texas Tech regarding quarterback Brendan Sorsby would be considered “unlawful” and met with legal action. “Texas Tech is confident the Big 12 will choose to act within the confines of the law and respect both the judicial process and its own Rules and Bylaws,” the letter reads.
Brendan Sorsby granted temporary injunction to play in 2026 despite gambling admissions Original
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby was granted a temporary injunction order in his lawsuit against the NCAA on Monday in Texas state court, according to a written order obtained by The Athletic. The decision essentially overturns the NCAA ruling that made Sorsby permanently ineligible for gambling violations and clears a path for the fifth-year-senior to play for the Red Raiders in 2026.
NCAA says law enforcement initially tipped sportsbook of Brendan Sorsby’s gambling Original
The NCAA was initially tipped off to extensive gambling by Brendan Sorsby via an online gambling book on March 11, after the book had been informed by law enforcement, according to an opposition response filed Friday in the Texas Tech quarterback’s lawsuit against the NCAA and obtained by The Athletic. It was previously unknown how and why the NCAA began its investigation into Sorsby’s gambling history earlier this year.
Sens. Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell announcing bipartisan bill aimed at stabilizing college sports
Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) are expected to announce plans Wednesday for a bipartisan college sports bill, the latest development in a multi-year effort by college sports leaders to have Congress pass legislation attempting to stabilize the industry and curb the flood of legal challenges against the NCAA and power conferences.
NCAA denies Brendan Sorsby’s request for reinstatement; Texas Tech QB returning to campus
The NCAA has denied Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s request to have his athletic eligibility reinstated for the 2026 college football season, sources briefed on the decision confirmed to The Athletic. The NCAA has deemed Sorsby permanently ineligible, a result of its investigation into his gambling violations, which include bets made on Indiana football in 2022 while Sorsby was a member of the Hoosiers.
Top takeaways from Brendan Sorsby’s lawsuit against NCAA: ‘Truly addicted to gambling’
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby began gambling in high school, when he and his friends would drive about 40 miles from his hometown in Denton, Texas, to a casino across the Oklahoma border where Sorsby could “legally gamble.” He also began experimenting with mobile sports betting apps while in high school.
Brendan Sorsby files suit against NCAA, details bets on own team while at Indiana
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Texas state court on Monday, seeking a temporary injunction that would grant him eligibility for the 2026 college football season. Sorsby is under investigation by the NCAA for gambling violations, including bets he placed on Indiana football while Sorsby was a member of the Hoosiers in 2022, which Sorsby details in an affidavit attached to the lawsuit.
Brendan Sorsby files suit against NCAA, details bets on own team while at Indiana
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Texas state court on Monday, seeking a temporary injunction that would grant him eligibility for the 2026 college football season. Sorsby is under investigation by the NCAA for gambling violations, including bets he placed on Indiana football while Sorsby was a member of the Hoosiers in 2022, which Sorsby details in an affidavit attached to the lawsuit.
Brendan Sorsby to ask NCAA to expedite eligibility ruling in gambling case
Lawyers for Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby are preparing to request an expedited resolution to Sorsby’s NCAA eligibility status, a person familiar with the process confirmed to The Athletic. Sorsby is under NCAA investigation for alleged gambling violations, including alleged bets he placed on Indiana football while Sorsby was a member of the Hoosiers in 2022. Sorsby applying for reinstatement with the NCAA is an expected part of the eligibility process.
Brendan Sorsby to ask NCAA to expedite eligibility ruling in gambling case
Lawyers for Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby are preparing to request an expedited resolution to Sorsby's NCAA eligibility status, a person familiar with the process confirmed to The Athletic. Sorsby is under NCAA investigation for alleged gambling violations, including alleged bets he placed on Indiana football while Sorsby was a member of the Hoosiers in 2022. Sorsby applying for reinstatement with the NCAA is an expected part of the eligibility process.
Arkansas reinstates tennis programs 20 days after announcing they’d be cut
The University of Arkansas announced Thursday that it will reinstate its men’s and women’s tennis programs effective immediately, less than three weeks after the Razorbacks discontinued the varsity sports following the 2026 season. The university credited short-term funding donations as the reason for reversing its decision.
Former Ohio football coach Brian Smith files wrongful termination lawsuit, disputes for-cause firing
Former Ohio University football coach Brian Smith filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the university on Friday. Ohio fired Smith for cause in December 2025, citing allegations that he had a romantic relationship with an undergraduate student and was intoxicated during a public appearance. “This case arises from Ohio University’s…decision to destroy the career and reputation of its head football coach first and justify it later,” Smith’s lawsuit reads.
Brendan Sorsby retains lawyer for potential NCAA eligibility battle amid gambling allegations Original
Brendan Sorsby has retained prominent sports labor lawyer Jeffrey Kessler as the Texas Tech transfer quarterback prepares for a potential eligibility battle against the NCAA, Kessler confirmed to The Athletic. Kessler has decades of experience in sports law, having worked on cases that helped bring free agency to the NFL and the NBA. More recently, the 71-year-old was the co-lead plaintiff attorney in the landmark House v.
Big 12 reaches private capital deal to add $12.5M to conference, optional $30M in credit for schools
The Big 12 has closed on a private capital deal with outside investors that will provide at least $12.5 million to the conference. The league’s partnership with Collegiate Athletic Solutions — a 50-50 venture between RedBird and Weatherford Capital — first became publicized in December but was recently finalized. Yahoo Sports first reported the news. “Super excited about it, obviously,” said Drew Weatherford, a founding partner of Weatherford Capital and former Florida State quarterback.
What’s next in Brendan Sorsby gambling scandal? Here are the top remaining questions Original
The announcement Monday that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby would take an “immediate indefinite leave of absence” from the football program and enter a residential treatment program for his gambling addiction stunned the college football world. Soon after, The Athletic confirmed Sorsby’s gambling is under NCAA investigation. The fifth-year senior placed “thousands” of bets in recent years, industry sources told The Athletic, many of them for small dollar amounts and on a range of sports.
Michigan fights off UConn to win men’s basketball title - HeraldNet.com
INDIANAPOLIS — Dominant. Scary. A machine. “The Monstars.” Michigan men’s basketball earned its share of flattery during a commanding tear through the NCAA Tournament, but there was one last moniker to add Monday night. National champions. No. 1 Michigan defeated No. 2 UConn 69-63 to win the 2025-26 title — and stymie the Huskies’ dynasty in the process. It’s the second national championship for Michigan, snapping the Big Ten’s 26-year title drought and preventing a third UConn title in four seasons.
Michigan pummels Arizona, Tommy Lloyd to roll into national championship game against UConn
INDIANAPOLIS — Styles make fights, and this had all the makings of a heavyweight bout. The two best teams in college basketball. Two of the tallest, toughest and most physical rosters, embodying the sport’s big-ball takeover this season. But it was Michigan that came out swinging and immediately had Arizona on the ropes, setting the tone for a 91-73 victory to send the Wolverines to the national championship game against UConn on Monday.
A Sweet, Sweet Send Off. The Johnnies are Headed to D.C.!
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya Before the St. John’s men’s basketball team embarks on their journey to the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament in Washington, D.C., fans were able to show their appreciation to the players and staff at the send-off event outside of Carnesecca Arena on March 25. Fans were treated with free food, St. John’s posters and the opportunity to be featured on a handful of local news stations covering the event.
Sweet 16 pressure gauge: Which NCAA Tournament coaches need to win most?
There’s been a creeping influence of “college football brain” on men’s college basketball of late, whether it’s expanding the NCAA Tournament (which no one asked for) or changes in the sport leading to fewer Cinderellas — and even some anti-underdog sentiment. But that football mindset hasn’t fully extended to coaching hot seats. There still tends to be more patience on the hoops side as far as hair-trigger firings or Lane Kiffin-style departures.
Sweet 16 pressure gauge: Which NCAA Tournament coaches need to win most?
There's been a creeping influence of "college football brain" on men's college basketball of late, whether it's expanding the NCAA Tournament (which no one asked for) or changes in the sport leading to fewer Cinderellas -- and even some anti-underdog sentiment. kAmqFE E92E 7@@E32== >:?5D6E 92D?VE 7F==J 6IE6?565 E@ 4@249:?8 9@E D62ED] %96C6 DE:== E6?5D E@ 36 >@C6 A2E:6?46 @? E96 9@@AD D:56 2D 72C 2D 92:C\EC:886C 7:C:?8D @C {2?6 z:77:?\DEJ=6 56A2CEFC6D] }@CE9 r2C@=:?2 >@G65 @?
College hoops thoughts: Bubble teams in panic mode, Todd Golden vs. John Calipari and more
With Selection Sunday fast approaching, bubble teams are scrambling to finish their homework. The final Saturday in February put both opportunity and catastrophe on the menu for teams near the cutline. The margins are thinner, and every result can reverberate all the way to Selection Sunday. No team is feeling the pressure of the bubble more than Auburn. The Tigers have played a wildly difficult schedule — the toughest in the country per NET ranking — but at some point, they need to win games.
President Trump to convene panel focused on future of college sports: Sources Original
President Donald Trump plans to convene a panel next week focused on the future of college athletics, sources briefed on the event confirmed Thursday. The roundtable, scheduled for March 6, includes an invite list with dozens of important figures and sports celebrities aimed at exploring the many challenges facing the industry.
Seth Trimble’s career night lifts UNC, Kansas stuns Houston, more college hoops observations
With freshman phenom Caleb Wilson still sidelined with a hand injury, North Carolina turned to the seasoned veteran. Again. The No. 18 Tar Heels held on for a 77-74 home victory over No. 24 Louisville on Monday behind a career-high 30 points by senior Seth Trimble. The hero of UNC’s upset over Duke a couple of weeks ago, Trimble turned in arguably the best performance of his career with Wilson — Carolina’s leader in points, rebounds, steals and blocks — still on the mend.
Alabama’s Charles Bediako appeals to state supreme court in continued eligibility fight
Alabama men’s basketball player Charles Bediako is not giving up in his efforts to continue playing college hoops. Now Bediako is appealing the Feb. 9 decision by judge Daniel Pruet, while simultaneously seeking injunctive relief from Pruet (again) to return to the floor for the Tide while his appeal is pending.
NBA Scouts Unfazed By Darryn Peterson's Injuries, Still Viewed As Top Draft Prospect
NBA scouts remain confident in Darryn Peterson's draft stock despite his sporadic availability at Kansas this season, with multiple evaluators telling The Athletic the freshman guard is still expected to be a top pick in June's draft. The assessment contradicts mounting public criticism of Peterson's injury-plagued season. "I haven't heard, from anyone I've talked to, like, 'Wow, he's going (pick No.) 10 now,'" said one NBA scout granted anonymity in exchange for candid assessment.
The Darryn Peterson saga is officially a concern for Kansas. But what about the NBA? Original
The Darryn Peterson saga, which has been simmering all season, seems to have boiled over. Kansas men’s basketball’s star freshman and the potential No. 1 pick in the next NBA Draft has made headlines for his sporadic availability in a frustratingly mercurial season, Wednesday night included.
Derogatory chants at BYU games lead to fines and apologies, but can Big 12 break the cycle?
Over the past year, the BYU football and basketball teams have been on the receiving end of derogatory chants targeting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with incidents at Arizona, Colorado, Cincinnati and, most recently, Oklahoma State. That’s four of the 15 fellow Big 12 programs since BYU joined the conference 2 1/2 years ago. The latest flashpoint was in Stillwater, Okla., on Feb. 4. After the conference fined Oklahoma State $50,000 on Feb.
Derogatory chants at BYU games lead to fines and apologies, but can Big 12 break the cycle?
Over the past year, the BYU football and basketball teams have been on the receiving end of derogatory chants targeting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with incidents at Arizona, Colorado, Cincinnati and, most recently, Oklahoma State. That's four of the 15 fellow Big 12 programs since BYU joined the conference 2 1/2 years ago. kAm%96 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]?JE:>6D]4@>^2E9=6E:4^f_b`agc^a_ae^_a^_g^@<=29@>2\DE2E6\3JF\2?E:\>@C>@?\492?ED\3:8\`a\7:?6^Qm=2E6DE 7=2D9A@:?E H2D :?
Michigan every bit a No. 1; brutal night for Texas Tech and more college hoops thoughts
On Monday, Michigan men’s basketball was ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2013. On Tuesday, the Wolverines backed it up, winning 91-80 at No. 7 Purdue. Michigan (25-1) was completely unfazed by a super-charged Mackey Arena crowd, shooting 53 percent from the floor and 13 for 23 (57 percent) from 3-point range. Five Wolverines scored in double figures, led by point guard Elliot Cadeau, who had 14 of his 17 points in the second half. Michigan’s bench contributed 34.
Submit your college basketball questions for our mailbag Original
The weekend in college basketball had a little bit of everything. A fight in Providence-St. John’s that led to ejections and suspensions. The No. 1 team in college basketball losing for the second consecutive game. And on Sunday, the first high-major coaching change of the season at Kansas State. There’s a lot to talk about — but what’s on your mind with four weeks until the NCAA Tournament? Submit your questions about anything going on in college hoops, and we’ll do our best to answer.
College hoops’ last undefeated team has Cinderella vibes, but isn’t a March Madness lock
OXFORD, Ohio — The Miami RedHawks men’s basketball players emerged from their home locker room for pregame warmups on a recent Tuesday evening. Standard operating procedure. Except this time, 5,000 rowdy students were in place 90 minutes before tipoff, ready to cheer them on. “I’ll be honest, I was … floored,” said Travis Steele, in his fourth season as head coach at Miami.
Big 12 fines Oklahoma State $50K for anti-Mormon chants during BYU game
The Big 12 has fined Oklahoma State $50,000 for “inappropriate chants” directed at BYU during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game between the two schools in Stillwater, Okla., the conference announced Sunday.
UNC, Michigan State, Houston the weekend’s big winners and more college basketball thoughts
The best rivalry in college basketball is Duke-North Carolina, and Saturday’s instant classic proved exactly why. UNC pulled off a stunner, coming back from 13 down to steal it just before the buzzer, 71-68. Seth Trimble’s clutch triple gave UNC its only lead of the entire game and sent the Dean Dome into a frenzy — including a premature court storm that had to be cleared to play out the final 0.4 seconds.
Big 12 fines Oklahoma State $50K for anti-Mormon chants during BYU game
The Big 12 has fined Oklahoma State $50,000 for "inappropriate chants" directed at BYU during Wednesday's men's basketball game between the two schools in Stillwater, Okla., the conference announced Sunday. kAmQx? 244@C52?46 H:E9 E96 q:8 `a r@?76C6?46 !C:?4:A=6D 2?5 $E2?52C5D @7 $A@CED>2?D9:A[ E96 r@?76C6?46 92D :DDF65 ~<=29@>2 $E2E6 &?:G6CD:EJ 2 Sd_[___ 7:?6 7@==@H:?8 :ED :?G6DE:82E:@? :?E@ :?2AAC@AC:2E6 492?ED H9:49 C676C6?465 E96 |@C>@? C6=:8:@?
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