Cincinnati's Legal Battle with Former Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Over NIL Agreement
In a developing story out of Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati has initiated legal action against former Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby. The university claims that Sorsby breached his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract and has not repaid the agreed-upon damages.
Sorsby, who inked an 18-month NIL deal with UC in July 2025, was set to be a prominent figure for the university, with the agreement allowing UC to leverage his NIL in various promotional activities. However, the contract included a clause requiring Sorsby to pay $1 million in liquidated damages if he did not fulfill the entire term, such as transferring before the 2026 season.
Fast forward five months, and Sorsby announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal, eventually committing to Texas Tech. His new NIL deal is reportedly valued between $4-6 million, a significant bump from his previous agreement.
UC contends that Sorsby's new deal accounted for his obligation to pay the $1 million in damages but claims he has yet to fulfill this financial commitment. Attempts to resolve the issue with Sorsby’s representatives have reportedly been met with refusal to pay.
The university's lawsuit highlights Sorsby’s substantial gains from the NIL agreement, thanks to UC’s efforts in promoting him as a top collegiate quarterback. Now, UC seeks to enforce the contract terms and recover the owed amount.
Cincinnati Athletics issued a statement underscoring its commitment to uphold contractual obligations and expects the same from its student-athletes. They expressed gratitude for Sorsby’s contributions to the program and wished him well, yet emphasized their responsibility to protect the university’s resources.
The university is seeking a jury trial to resolve the matter and recover the damages. This case marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of NIL agreements and collegiate athletics.