Cincinnati sues Ex-QB Brendan Sorsby seeking buy-out payment for transfer to Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, Texas — The University of Cincinnati has filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, demanding the $1 million buy-out payment tied to the 18-month NIL agreement he signed in July 2025 before transferring to Texas Tech this January.

According to court documents obtained by The Athletic’s Justin Williams, the university’s complaint—filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division—alleges that Sorsby agreed to liquidated damages of $1 million if he transferred before the contract’s Dec. 15, 2026 expiration. Cincinnati asserts the deal anticipated “the majority of the benefits” would accrue in the 2026 season “after Sorsby’s play developed and his brand grew.”

Sorsby, a Denton, Texas native, spent two seasons with the Bearcats and last year posted 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdown passes, 580 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. His performance placed him inside the Big 12’s top five in total passing yards and helped Cincinnati secure a 7-5 regular-season record and its first bowl invitation since 2022.

The quarterback signed with Texas Tech on Jan. 15, retaining one year of eligibility. Under the NIL contract, Sorsby had 30 days after a transfer to remit the buy-out unless he opted to enter the NFL Draft, in which case the clause would be nullified. Cincinnati claims the payment has not been made and that Sorsby, represented by LIFT Sports Management, was “advised … to refuse to pay the university anything.”

In a statement to The Athletic, LIFT Sports Management criticized the university’s legal action.

“Pursuing legal action against Brendan Sorsby is misguided. University of Cincinnati, through its revenue-share structure, paid him $875,800 for a season he fully completed, and in that time, he generated millions in value for the program,” the agency said. “Attempting to recover those funds now sends the wrong message to current and future student-athletes and risks damaging the long-term credibility of Cincinnati football. This is further disappointing given that Brendan parted ways with UC in what was a mutually agreeable manner.”

The statement added that the requested $1 million constitutes “an unlawful penalty under Ohio law” and vowed an aggressive defense plus potential counter-damages.

Texas Tech has not commented on the matter and could not be reached by The Athletic.

The legal dispute adds a layer of intrigue to an already notable Big 12 calendar event: the Red Raiders are scheduled to visit Nippert Stadium on Oct. 24 to face the Bearcats. With court proceedings just beginning, the timeline for resolution remains uncertain, but the matchup now carries both conference and financial stakes beyond the standings.