The University of Cincinnati is taking legal action against its former quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, seeking a $1 million buyout following his transfer to Texas Tech. This move comes after Cincinnati accused Sorsby of breaching a revenue-sharing agreement he had with the university.
According to court documents, Sorsby had an "18-month, two-season" deal with Cincinnati, set to last until December 15, 2026. The agreement stipulated a $1 million buyout if Sorsby transferred before the contract's completion.
Sorsby, a standout player, made headlines by signing with Texas Tech in January, securing one of the most lucrative deals in the college football transfer portal, reportedly exceeding $4 million. Ranked as a five-star transfer and the No. 2 player in the portal by 247Sports, Sorsby had an impressive 2025 season with the Bearcats, throwing for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also rushing for seven scores.
Texas Tech, fresh off its first College Football Playoff appearance after winning the Big 12, made Sorsby a top priority following the departure of Behren Morton. The Red Raiders showcased their excitement by displaying a welcome message on Times Square's digital billboards, celebrating their high-profile acquisition.
"We're fired up about Sorsby," said Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire. "He's a Lake Dallas kid back home in Texas. I think he's an elite quarterback, destined for the NFL, and he'll be a great leader for us."
Cincinnati's coach, Scott Satterfield, acknowledged the competitive nature of college football's transfer landscape. "He's had a really good year, and many schools reached out," Satterfield noted.
"This is the world we're living in now. The rules set by the adults are leading these kids to make individual decisions.
As coaches, we navigate this as best as we can."
Interestingly, Cincinnati's legal battle isn't an isolated case. Duke recently faced a similar situation with former quarterback Darian Mensah, who was accused of violating NIL contract terms by entering the transfer portal. Duke and Mensah eventually settled, allowing him to transfer to Miami, highlighting the ongoing complexities of college football's evolving landscape.