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The University of Cincinnati became the latest university to sue one of its former players, alleging that 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 the $1 million buyout fee he was required to pay within 30 days of transferring 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 Nov. 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 honor the contractual commitments it makes to them. We hope the student-athletes and their representatives 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 that time, he would pay the university a specified amount for the substantial damage his failure to do so would cause. Cincinnati Athletics intends to enforce that 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 to develop 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 battles 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 have shared on and off the field. All the ups and downs we have been through, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
“After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”
Shortly afterward he announced his commitment to Texas Tech.
Sorsby’s agent, Ron Slavin, told The AP that he plans to fight the lawsuit, adding that the university paid the college football player $875,800, but that he earned much more from the program during his time there.
“In that time, it generated millions in value for the program. Trying 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,” Slavin said. “This is even more disappointing given that Brendan parted ways with UC in a mutually acceptable manner. The money the university seeks to recover from him is nothing more than an illegal penalty under Ohio law.”
Future Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby yells during the first half of the game between the Houston Cougars and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the 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. attempted to transfer from Washington, but the university threatened to impose its $4 million buyout on the quarterback, prompting him to rescind his transfer announcement. Duke sued and settled with quarterback Darian Mensah before he eventually transferred to Miami.
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