The McShay Show: Talking Brendan Sorsby, Arch Manning, and the 2027 Class
The Ringer | May 5, 2026
Host: Todd McShay | Co-host: Steve Muench | Guest: Albert Breer
Episode Overview
This episode dives into the sensational controversy and draft implications surrounding Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, dissecting the recent NCAA betting scandal, NIL deals, potential supplemental draft scenarios, and Sorsby’s NFL projection. The crew, joined by insider Albert Breer, also explores the upcoming star-studded 2027 quarterback class, giving extra attention to Arch Manning’s development and stock. The show's tone ranges from analytical and urgent during the Sorsby discussion to lighthearted during personal segments and Vegas anecdotes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Brendan Sorsby: Betting Scandal, Supplemental Draft, and NFL Prospect (03:29–36:45)
- Background and Scandal
- News broke that Sorsby, a 6’3”, 235-pound QB, accepted a $6M NIL deal at Texas Tech, but has now been implicated in an NCAA gambling investigation—over 1,000 bets, some allegedly on games involving his teams.
- Sorsby is currently in a treatment center for gambling addiction; both he and Texas Tech have hired legal counsel aiming to negotiate a plea deal (possibly a suspension in exchange for remaining eligible).
- NCAA may seek to “draw a line in the sand” (05:52) and potentially revoke his eligibility entirely given the black-and-white rules about gambling.
Quote (McShay, 05:58):
"There's a lot of people out there that I talked to... that the NCAA is going to draw a line in the sand here. If the reports are true ... the NCAA can't turn a blind eye or take a sweet deal in the player's favor."
- NFL Draft and Supplemental Draft Scenarios
- Sorsby could head to a supplemental draft if eligibility is revoked; teams are weighing risk vs. upside, especially with psychological and contractual concerns.
- McShay and Muench outline the challenges teams would face: unprecedented background vetting, contract structure, and needing strong organizational support for Sorsby.
Quote (McShay, 27:11):
"I'm talking to my cap guy and my lawyers about what can we put in the contract to prevent this from happening and also to protect our investment."
- Tape Study and Player Evaluation
- Both hosts conducted exhaustive tape reviews and compared Sorsby’s development to past toolsy-but-raw QBs like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts.
- Physically gifted ("Dean's List" as a creative scrambler and runner), but a "C-student" as a pocket passer (11:00).
- Concerns: “Lower body mechanics are a mess… flat-footed throws, affects his accuracy… questionable decisions” (Muench, 07:23–08:56).
- High-end NFL flashes, anticipation throws, ability to make “insane” throws on the move.
Quote (Muench, 07:23):
"When you look at the stats… maybe this is a guy who takes care of the football… but the tape shows questionable decisions. His lower body mechanics are kind of a mess."
Quote (McShay, 11:00):
"He's a young man and a quarterback who's attempting to major in pocket passing. But I would give him a C grade in that department. He's double minoring… scrambling to extend, and as a running threat. Dean's list in his two minors."
- Debate: To Gamble (Pick) or Not?
- McShay argues that with proper vetting and support, Sorsby’s upside is special enough to merit a first-round supplemental pick, especially for teams like the Jets (with multiple firsts), Cardinals, Dolphins, or Browns—if they “get aligned and say collectively we are comfortable taking this risk” (27:42).
- Muench remains deeply risk-averse, emphasizing the depth of the 2027 class, trustworthiness issues, and draft capital value.
Quote (McShay, 29:07):
"If the answer is we have a support staff, the legal team, the psychologists, and everyone on board, my job then as the general manager is to say, this guy’s worth it. And what I'm telling you, Steve, I think this guy's worth it. And if that's the case, I get to draft him. And I'm doing it with a first round pick."
- Class Context and First-Round Value
- Intense debate about the risk of burning a first-round pick on Sorsby with so many “boom/bust” QBs coming in 2027.
- McShay: “The boom is higher than all of them. He and Sellers have the highest boom… in my opinion.” (36:31)
- Muench: "You're not talking about the JaMarcus Russells… not everyone makes the Josh Allen leap." (34:10)
2. Albert Breer Joins: Insider Update & Supplemental Draft Mechanics (38:45–58:41)
- Legal and NCAA Update
- NCAA likely to permanently revoke Sorsby’s eligibility; both Sorsby and Tech lawyering up, probably in hopes of negotiating a multi-game suspension to salvage 2026 playing time (39:24).
- If no settlement, rapid movement toward a supplemental draft.
Quote (Breer, 39:24):
"I think the NCAA feels like they got to set a precedent here ... I think what they'd like to do is try to drive this thing to a conclusion as fast as they can."
- Supplemental Draft Mechanics
- Deadline usually June 30, but could move; tiers for pick order (most losses, non-playoffs, playoff teams) with randomization inside tiers (43:23).
- Recent precedent: Josh Gordon (drug suspension), Terrelle Pryor (NCAA violation).
- Teams in the market: Jets, Cardinals, Browns, Dolphins; all might consider using a first-round pick if their long-term QB plan is unclear.
- NFL Disciplinary Uncertainty
- NFL’s precedent: Terrelle Pryor’s supplemental suspension matched the NCAA's; Calvin Ridley’s full-year ban for betting may apply (49:00). Teams want clarity from the league prior to any bid.
Quote (Breer, 49:00):
"I think that's why if I'm Sorsby’s people, if I'm Jeffrey Kessler, I'm probably looking for clarity from the NFL on that too. Like, could you please give us some sort of roadmap to where you're going here so that we have an idea of what we're getting into?"
- Pre-Draft Vetting Hurdles
- Teams would push for a pro day, private interviews, medicals—while Sorsby is in treatment and possibly inaccessible for parts of the process (56:34).
- “Microwave” version of a full draft vetting, but with immense scrutiny given the investment and context.
3. 2027 Quarterback Class Outlook: Arch Manning, Moore, Sellers & More (58:41–66:30)
- Arch Manning’s NFL Prospects
- Arch’s stock is solid, but he is “more like his grandfather [Archie] than his uncles [Peyton, Eli]” in that he’s a big, athletic, creative QB but raw as a pocket passer, with scattershot accuracy and room to grow in progression reads (60:58).
- NFL comps: “Justin Herbert if things work out,” or “Justin Fields” for current strengths/weaknesses (59:42).
- Off-field intangibles—maturity, leadership—could boost his floor.
Quote (Breer, 60:58):
"This guy seems to be more like his grandfather than his uncle ... a big, athletic kid who can make plays off schedule ... still raw as a pocket passer and who still needs reps ..."
- Class Depth and Ranking Fluidity
- At least 12–15 QB prospects could be first-round talents, but no unassailable “lock” at the top (63:23–65:43).
- Dante Moore is probably the “best bet to go in the top five next year,” but Sellers, Carr, Sayin, Levitt, and several others draw real interest and diverging opinions. Major changes will hinge on 2026 performances and continued development.
- Supporting cast and coaching fit regarded as critical in who emerges.
4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Sorsby’s “It” Factor
“You can't coach what he has... but you can coach up what he has.”
— McShay, 23:06
- On Organizational Approach to Risk
“That's why I drive 85 in the fast lane and you drive 63 in the slow lane. We're just, we're different like that...”
— McShay to Muench, 34:39
- On Supplemental Draft Precedent
“The NFL was concerned about being a safe harbor for guys who had NCAA violations. So they said ... we’re going to match the suspension.”
— Breer on Terrelle Pryor, 49:37
5. Vegas Travelogue and Lighter Segments (68:01–80:45)
- Muench shares stories of his trip to Vegas, the “sphere” music experience, and epic casino losses, providing comic relief and personal color.
- Brief tangent on the atmosphere (including smoke, casino quirks, and food scene).
- Discussion rounds out with lighthearted banter about family tolerance for football travel and Vegas adventures, plus closing thanks.
Important Timestamps
- Brendan Sorsby Evaluation & Debate: 03:29–36:45
- Albert Breer Joins for Insider Details: 38:45–58:41
- Arch Manning & 2027 QBs: 58:41–66:30
- Vegas Storytime and Closing Banter: 68:01–80:45
Summary Takeaways
- Brendan Sorsby is a rare QB talent whose off-field transgressions have plunged both college and pro football into legal and moral gray areas. If NFL vetting clears him and strong support is in place, McShay would risk a first-round pick; Muench is much more conservative, preferring the depth and reliability (on paper) of the upcoming 2027 class.
- Supplemental Draft could be the most consequential in over a decade if Sorsby enters, with unprecedented interest and risk assessment among NFL teams.
- 2027 QB Class is deep and varied; everything from work ethic to scheme fit will determine the hierarchy. Arch Manning draws both massive hype and cautious evaluation; Dante Moore is early consensus top-5 material.
- The episode blends serious draft analysis with genuine locker-room camaraderie, peppered with memorable analogies, pop culture references, and inside industry process detail—a must-listen for draftniks and NFL insiders.