The University of Cincinnati has initiated legal proceedings against their former quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech. The lawsuit, filed in Ohio's U.S. District Court, claims that Sorsby violated the terms of his name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreement by failing to pay a $1 million buyout that was to be settled within 30 days of his transfer. Sorsby had previously signed with Cincinnati in July 2025, committing to play for two seasons beginning in 2025, and the university alleges that he breached this commitment through his transfer to another program.

Cincinnati's athletic department issued a statement asserting its pride in partnering with student-athletes and emphasized the importance of honoring contractual agreements made between the university and its athletes. The university's stance reflects a broader trend among colleges grappling with the implications of NIL deals and the complexities that arise when athletes transfer. With the growing significance of NIL in collegiate sports, the case also highlights the legal landscape surrounding these agreements, which are becoming more common yet contentious.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have implications not only for Sorsby's future as an athlete but also for the handling of NIL agreements across the NCAA. As universities increasingly pursue legal action to enforce these deals, it raises questions about the ability of student-athletes to negotiate and manage their agreements as they navigate their careers in collegiate athletics. Ultimately, this case could set precedents for how similar disputes are resolved in the future.