University of Cincinnati sues ex-QB Brendan Sorsby after his transfer to Texas Tech

The University of Cincinnati has taken legal action against former Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby, alleging that he violated his name, image, and likeness contract after transferring to Texas Tech. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on Wednesday.

According to the lawsuit, Sorsby signed an NIL agreement in July 2025 for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, which included a $1 million buyout clause if he decided to transfer. Despite this agreement, Sorsby announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on December 15 and later confirmed his commitment to Texas Tech on January 4.

Sorsby reportedly received a substantial $5 million deal to return to his home state for his final collegiate season. The University of Cincinnati expressed disappointment in Sorsby’s actions, stating that they expect student-athletes to honor their contractual commitments. The university emphasized that Sorsby had agreed to play for two seasons as a Bearcat representative and would be liable for a specific amount if he left before fulfilling his commitment.

In response to the lawsuit, Sorsby’s agent, Ron Slavin, argued that pursuing legal action against his client was unwarranted. Slavin asserted that Sorsby intends to contest the lawsuit and any potential damages sought by the university. He also highlighted Sorsby’s contributions to the Cincinnati football program, generating significant value during his time with the team.

Sorsby had a successful season with the Bearcats, passing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while also rushing for 580 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite Sorsby’s on-field success, the legal dispute has cast a shadow over his collegiate career.

This legal battle is not an isolated incident in college athletics, as other schools have also sought legal remedies related to NIL deals with quarterbacks. Duke previously engaged in a legal dispute with Darian Mensah, which was ultimately settled before Mensah transferred to Miami. Similarly, Washington planned to file a lawsuit against Demond Williams Jr. for breaching an NIL agreement before he reversed his decision to transfer.

Brendan Sorsby’s career trajectory has been eventful, starting at Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati and eventually landing at Texas Tech. With impressive statistics in 35 career games, Sorsby has proven himself as a talented quarterback on the field.

Looking ahead, Sorsby and the Texas Tech Red Raiders are set to face Cincinnati during the university’s 100th homecoming celebration on October 24. The outcome of the legal dispute between Sorsby and the University of Cincinnati remains uncertain, but it underscores the complexities of navigating NIL agreements in college sports.