Why Brendan Sorsby Could Be the Quarterback Wisconsin Needs Right Now
Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby is officially planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on January 2nd, and he’s doing so with a clear goal in mind: the NFL. But before he makes the leap to Sundays, there’s a very real chance he plays one more year of college football - and if you're Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, this is the kind of opportunity you can’t afford to let slide by.
Let’s break down why Sorsby might just be the most intriguing quarterback available in the portal right now - and why he could be the perfect fit for what offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is building in Madison.
A Proven Playmaker with Dual-Threat Ability
Sorsby brings two things every coach wants in a modern quarterback: arm talent and mobility. He’s not just a passer who can move - he’s a legitimate dual-threat.
Over the past two seasons at Cincinnati, he threw for over 2,800 yards each year while adding more than 1,000 rushing yards combined. In 2025 alone, he tallied 27 passing touchdowns and nine more on the ground.
That’s not just production - that’s control of the game.
And here’s the kicker: he did it while taking care of the football. Just five interceptions and only seven sacks this season. That’s a quarterback who knows how to operate under pressure, make smart reads, and protect the ball - all while still creating explosive plays.
Early Signs of Potential at Indiana
Before his breakout at Cincinnati, Sorsby flashed his potential at Indiana. He wasn’t the full-time starter, but he still managed over 1,000 passing yards and nearly 300 on the ground in a more limited, situational role.
That early experience in the Big Ten matters - he’s already seen the speed, the size, and the physicality of the conference. He wouldn’t be walking into uncharted territory in Madison.
NFL Tools, But One More Year to Sharpen Them
Sorsby is waiting on his NFL Draft grade, and that feedback will help shape his next move. But unless that grade puts him in the early rounds - which seems unlikely at this stage - there’s a strong chance he plays one more year of college ball. And if that’s the case, he’ll be one of the most sought-after names in the portal.
He’s got the tools the NFL wants: size, mobility, arm strength, and poise. But another year in the right system, with the right coaching, could elevate his draft stock significantly. That’s where Wisconsin comes in.
A Seamless Fit in Jeff Grimes’ Offense
Jeff Grimes’ offensive philosophy thrives on balance and unpredictability. He wants a quarterback who can stretch the field vertically but also keep defenses honest with designed quarterback runs and zone-read looks. Sorsby checks every box.
He’s not just a runner for the sake of it - he’s a quarterback who can manipulate defenses with his legs and then punish them through the air. That kind of versatility opens up an entire playbook.
And with his experience, Sorsby brings veteran decision-making to the table. He doesn’t force the issue.
He takes what the defense gives him, and then some.
If Wisconsin can pair him with a strong offensive line - and that’s always been a calling card in Madison - the Badgers could build an offense that’s both explosive and efficient. That’s been missing in recent years.
The Price Tag and the Competition
Let’s be real: Sorsby’s not going to come cheap. With NIL money in play and quarterback value at an all-time high, there’s going to be a bidding war.
Programs like Texas Tech and other deep-pocketed schools are already circling. But if Wisconsin is serious about investing in its football future - and about making a leap in the Big Ten - this is where you put your chips on the table.
Quarterback is the most important position in football, and Sorsby is a proven commodity. He’s not a project. He’s a plug-and-play starter who can elevate an entire offense.
Why Luke Fickell Has to Make the Call
Fickell knows Sorsby. He’s seen what he can do up close in the AAC.
That familiarity matters. If Wisconsin is truly looking to reassert itself as a contender in the new-look Big Ten, this is the kind of move that sets the tone.
There’s no guarantee Sorsby ends up in Madison. But the fit is there.
The need is there. And the opportunity - for both sides - is too big to ignore.
If the Badgers want to be back in the national conversation, it starts under center. Brendan Sorsby might just be the quarterback to get them there.