Cincinnati Sues Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Over Transfer to Texas Tech
Cincinnati University has filed a lawsuit against former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, seeking a $1 million buyout payment following his transfer to Texas Tech University. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio Western Division, alleges that Sorsby breached a two-season Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with the university.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to court documents, Sorsby signed the NIL agreement with Cincinnati on July 1, 2025. He informed the university of his intention to transfer on December 1, 2025, officially entering the transfer portal on January 2, 2026, and signing with Texas Tech on January 5, 2026. Yahoo Sports reports that the university claims the transfer constitutes a breach of contract.
The agreement stipulated that Sorsby would owe the university $1 million in liquidated damages within 30 days of his transfer, a payment that had not been made as of the time the suit was filed. The contract was set to expire on December 15, 2026, with provisions for potential renewal negotiations.
NIL Deal and Contractual Obligations
Cincinnati argues that Sorsby committed to playing two seasons with the Bearcats as part of the NIL agreement and agreed to the buyout clause if he left before fulfilling the term. A statement from Cincinnati Athletics emphasized the university’s commitment to honoring its contractual obligations with student-athletes and expecting the same in return. The Athletic was provided with a statement from the university.
“Cincinnati athletics is proud to partner with its student-athletes and honors the contractual commitments it makes to them,” the statement read. “We expect student-athletes and their representatives to do the same. 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 agreement. As stewards of the university’s resources, the athletics department has a duty to do so. We thank Brendan for his time at Cincinnati and wish him success in the future.”
Brendan Sorsby’s Career
Sorsby spent two seasons at Cincinnati after transferring from Indiana University. In his final season with the Bearcats (2025), he completed 61.6% of his passes for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, with five interceptions, and added nine rushing touchdowns. Prior to Cincinnati, he threw for 2,813 yards and 18 touchdowns, along with nine rushing scores, in his first season with the program in 2024. ESPN Stats and Wikipedia provide details on his college career.
Sorsby was considered a highly sought-after transfer, ranking as the No. 9 overall player and No. 3-ranked quarterback in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.
Texas Tech Deal
Cincinnati’s lawsuit argues that Sorsby is financially capable of paying the $1 million buyout, citing reports that his new deal with Texas Tech is worth approximately $5 million, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in college football this season. On3 previously reported the details of the Texas Tech agreement.