The University of Cincinnati has become the most recent institution to knock one of their former players with a lawsuit, making the claim that ex-quarterback Brendan Sorsby is in violation of his name, image and likeness (NIL) contract following a transfer to Texas Tech in January.
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the college’s lawsuit alleges that Sorsby didn’t pay out the $1 million buyout fee that was owed by the 30 day-threshold after his exit from the school.
Inking a deal in July 2025 with Cincinnati, Sorsby was committed to the Bearcats for the ’25 and ’26 campaigns. (RELATED: Caitlin Clark Spotted Hanging Out With Eileen Gu — It’s Time To Stop Being Fans Of This Overrated Saphead)
“Cincinnati Athletics is proud to partner with its student-athletes and honors the contractual commitments it makes to them. We expect student-athletes and their representatives to do the same,” said the college in an official statement sent to the Associated Press.
“In his lucrative NIL agreement with Cincinnati Athletics, Brendan Sorsby committed to stay and play for two seasons as a proud Bearcat representative. He also agreed that if he left the university before that time, he would pay the university a specific amount for the substantial harm that his breach would cause. Cincinnati Athletics intends to enforce that contractual commitment.”
In December, Sorsby made the announcement he’d be going into the transfer portal after throwing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025. He also tallied 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in that category.
Cincinnati is suing former QB Brendan Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech last month and reportedly signed a deal that will pay him M this year.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 26, 2026
It continues a new trend of universities suing college football players over NIL and transfer portal disputes.
“I want to thank Coach Satt, Coach Thomas, Coach Canada, and the rest of the staff for all the work that they have put in towards my development as not only a quarterback, but also as a person. It has shaped me into the man I am today,” read part of Sorsby’s announcement, per Fox News.
“To my teammates, I appreciate you guys more than you know. I’ll never forget all the memories we’ve shared on and off the field. All the highs and lows that we’ve been through, I wouldn’t trade for anything.
“After a lot of prayer and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.” (RELATED: Rep. Andy Ogles Proposes Bill To Slap 100% Tax On Traitorous American Athletes Who Compete For Other Nations)
Not long afterwards, S0rsby announced that he was committing to Texas Tech.
Ron Slavin, the agent of Sorsby, spoke with the Associated Press and said that the quarterback intends on fighting the lawsuit against him, also saying that he was given a $875,800 payment from Cincinnati, however, brought in a lot more revenue for the program during his time there.
“In that time, he generated millions in value for the program. Attempting to recover those funds now sends the wrong message to current and future student-athletes and risks damaging the long-term credibility of Cincinnati football,” said Slavin. “This is further disappointing given that Brendan parted ways with UC in what was a mutually agreeable manner. The money the university seeks to recover from him is nothing more than an unlawful penalty under Ohio law.”
