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The University of Cincinnati has become the latest university to sue one of its former players, claiming former quarterback Brendan Sorsby violated his name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement after transferring to Texas Tech last month.
In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the university alleged that Sorsby failed to pay a $1 million buyout fee that was due within 30 days of his transfer out of the program.
Brendan Sorsby (2) of the Cincinnati Bearcats laughs during warmups before their game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 1, 2025. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
He signed with the Bearcats in July 2025 and his contract was for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
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“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,” the university said in a statement 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 then, he would pay the university a specific amount for the substantial harm his violation would cause. Cincinnati Athletics intends to enforce this contractual commitment.”
Sorsby announced in December that he would enter the transfer portal after passing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. He added another 580 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
“I want to thank Coach Satt, Coach Thomas, Coach Canada and the rest of the staff for all the work they have done in developing me not only as a quarterback, but as a person. It has made me the man I am today,” his announcement read in part.
Brendan Sorsby (2) of the Cincinnati Bearcats fights during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on November 29, 2025. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
“To my teammates, I appreciate you more than you know. I will never forget all the memories we shared on and off the field. All the ups and downs we went through, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”
Shortly after, he announced his commitment to Texas Tech.
Sorsby’s agent, Ron Slavin, told the AP he plans to fight the lawsuit, adding that the college football player received $875,800 from the university but earned much more for the program during his tenure there.
“Over that time, he has generated millions of dollars for the program. Trying to recoup those funds now sends the wrong message to current and future student-athletes and risks harming the long-term credibility of Cincinnati football,” Slavin said. “This is even more disappointing given that Brendan separated from UC in a mutually agreeable manner. The money the university seeks to recover from him is nothing more than an illegal sanction under Ohio law.”
Future Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby shouts during the first half of the game between the Houston Cougars and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas on January 24, 2026. (John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
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The lawsuit comes amid a tumultuous time for college athletics.
Demond Williams Jr. tried to leave Washington, but the university threatened to impose its $4 million buyout on the quarterback, prompting him to rescind his transfer announcement. Duke pursued and settled with quarterback Darian Mensah before ultimately transferring to Miami.
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