Key Takeaways
- University of Cincinnati is suing former quarterback Brendan Sorsby for $1 million
- Sorsby signed an 18-month NIL deal with Cincinnati in July 2025
- He entered the transfer portal and went to Texas Tech after the deal was signed
The University of Cincinnati has filed a lawsuit against former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, seeking a $1 million buyout after he entered the transfer portal and transferred to Texas Tech.
In its court filings, the university revealed that Sorsby signed an 18-month NIL deal with Cincinnati in July 2025. The school argues that he should pay the buyout for choosing to transfer to Texas Tech.
This case could set a major precedent for NIL agreements and transfer portal rules across college athletics. Schools are increasingly trying to protect their investments in athletes through binding NIL contracts.
Off the Record
Let’s be honest — this is what happens when you treat NIL deals like employment contracts but pretend they’re still “amateur” athletics. Cincinnati gave this kid money, he played, and then he left for another opportunity. Now the school wants their money back? That’s not how the transfer portal is supposed to work. But here’s the reality: if schools want to treat athletes like employees, they’re going to have to deal with the same kind of disputes any business faces when talent walks out the door. This case is going to be watched closely by every college sports program in the country.