Cincinnati sues quarterback Brendan Sorsby over alleged NIL violation

The University of Cincinnati has become the latest university to sue one of its former players, alleging former quarterback Brendan Sorsby violated his name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement after he transferred 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 from the program.

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 its contractual commitments to them. We expect student-athletes and their representatives to do the same,” the university said in a statement to The Associated Press. he said.

“In his lucrative NIL deal with the Cincinnati Athletics, Brendan Sorsby committed to stay and play for two seasons as a proud representative of the Bearcat. He also agreed that if he leaves the university before that time, he will pay the university a specified amount for significant damages caused by his violation. Cincinnati Athletics intends to honor this contractual commitment.”

Sorsby announced in December that he would enter the transfer portal after throwing for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. He added another 580 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

Here’s part of his announcement: “I want to thank Coach Satt, Coach Thomas, Coach Canada, and the rest of the staff for all the work they have done towards my development, not only as a point guard, but as a person. It has shaped me into the man I am today.”

Brendan Sorsby (2) of the Cincinnati Bearcats tackles the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. (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. I wouldn’t trade all the ups and downs we went through for anything.

“After much prayer and much consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”

He announced his commitment to Texas Tech shortly thereafter.

Sorsby’s agent, Ron Slavin, told the AP he plans to fight the lawsuit, adding that the college football player was paid $875,800 by the university but made much more from the program during his tenure there.

“He generated millions in value for the program during that time. Trying to claw back those funds 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 is seeking to recover from him is nothing more than an illegal fine under Ohio law.”

Future Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby yells during the first half of the game between the Houston Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena on January 24, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

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The lawsuit comes at a tumultuous time for college athletics.

Demond Williams Jr. attempted to transfer from Washington, but the university threatened to force the quarterback into a $4 million buyout, leading him to rescind his transfer announcement. Duke sued and settled point guard Darian Mensah before he eventually transferred to Miami.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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