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The University of Cincinnati became 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 did not pay the $1 million buyout fee due within 30 days of transferring 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 deal 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 obligations 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 deal with the 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 damage his break would cause.
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 put into my development as not only a quarterback, but also as a person. It has shaped me into the man I am today,” his announcement read in part.
Brendan Sorsby (2) of the Cincinnati Bearcats fights in the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Nov. 29, 2025. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
“To my teammates, I appreciate you more than you know. I’ll never forget all the memories we’ve shared on and off the field. All the ups and downs we’ve been through, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”
Soon 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 was paid $875,800 by the university but made much more for the program during his tenure there.
“During that time, he generated millions in value for the program. Attempting to recover these 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 further disappointing given that Brendan parted ways with UC in a mutually agreeable manner. The money the university is seeking 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 United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, on Jan. 24, 2026. (John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
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The lawsuit comes amid a tumultuous time for college athletics.
Demon Williams Jr. attempted to transfer from Washington, but the university threatened to enforce its $4 million buyout on the quarterback, prompting him to rescind his transfer announcement. Duke sued and settled with quarterback Darian Mensah before finally moving to Miami.
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