Cincinnati sues $5 million quarterback over insane exit fee originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The University of Cincinnati has filed a lawsuit against former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, seeking $1 million in damages after he transferred to Texas Tech, according to a report by USA TODAY Sports.
The suit alleges Sorsby breached a two-year Name, Image and Likeness agreement he signed last July that covered the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Cincinnati claims the contract included a $1 million liquidated damages clause, which requires a payment within 30 days if Sorsby left the program before the deal expired.
Sorsby entered the transfer portal in December 2025 and later committed to Texas Tech. Cincinnati contends that move triggered the buyout provision and that the quarterback has failed to satisfy the financial terms outlined in the agreement.
A representative for Sorsby called the lawsuit “misguided” and indicated the quarterback intends to fight the claims in court.
The legal dispute comes amid reports that Sorsby signed one of the most lucrative NIL deals of the 2025-26 transfer cycle. Multiple reports have valued his Texas Tech agreement at approximately $5 million, with figures ranging from $4 million to $6 million. The deal is believed to be funded through the school’s revenue-sharing structure and donor support, including billionaire booster Cody Campbell.
Sorsby earned $875,800 during the 2025 season at Cincinnati under the school’s revenue-sharing model.
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The case adds to the growing legal complexity surrounding multi-year NIL contracts and buyout provisions as player movement and compensation continue to build college football’s financial landscape.
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