Ex-Cincinnati QB Sued for Breaching NIL Contract

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The University of Cincinnati has filed a lawsuit against its former star quarterback Brendan Sorsby, alleging he breached a name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreement by transferring to Texas Tech University. The lawsuit claims Sorsby owes the university over $1 million in damages per the terms of the NIL contract.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing complexity around NIL agreements between colleges and student-athletes, as schools seek to protect their investments in promoting and developing star players. It also raises questions about the enforceability of such contracts and the rights of players to freely transfer between programs.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Sorsby agreed to pay $1 million if he breached the NIL agreement, which the university claims he has refused to do after transferring to Texas Tech. The university alleges Sorsby "benefited greatly" from the NIL deal and the school's efforts to promote him, but that his transfer has damaged the institution financially.

• The lawsuit was filed on February 26, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

What’s next

The judge will need to rule on the enforceability of the NIL contract and whether Sorsby is liable for the $1 million in damages claimed by the University of Cincinnati.