Cincinnati Demands $1M NIL Buyout From Transfer QB

The University of Cincinnati has initiated a lawsuit against former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, demanding a $1 million buyout from his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on Wednesday, stems from Sorsby's transfer to Texas Tech on January 4, 2026. Sorsby had previously signed an NIL deal in July 2025, covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons, which included a $1 million buyout clause if he transferred. He announced his entry into the transfer portal on December 15, 2025.

Sorsby reportedly secured a $5 million NIL deal with Texas Tech for his final season. Cincinnati Athletics stated that Sorsby committed to remaining with the team for two seasons and that the university expects contractual commitments to be honored. The university intends to enforce the agreed-upon buyout, citing the substantial harm caused by his breach of contract.

Sorsby's agent, Ron Slavin, contends that the lawsuit is misguided, asserting that the university's demand constitutes an unlawful penalty under Ohio law. Slavin noted that Sorsby received $875,800 from Cincinnati under a revenue-sharing structure for the 2025 season and generated millions in value for the program. He believes legal action risks damaging the credibility of college football and that the parting was mutually agreeable.

This legal action follows similar cases involving quarterbacks and NIL deals. Duke University previously sued quarterback Darian Mensah, reaching a settlement, and Washington faced a similar situation with quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Sorsby, who began his career at Indiana, brings significant career statistics to Texas Tech, having passed for 7,208 yards and 60 touchdowns in 35 games.