The University of Cincinnati has filed a lawsuit against its former starting quarterback, alleging breach of contract over a name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreement. The complaint was filed on February 25, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Brendan Sorsby. The university claims that Sorsby violated the terms of their NIL agreement by transferring to another institution before fulfilling his contractual obligations.
In July 2025, Brendan Sorsby entered into an 18-month NIL agreement with the University of Cincinnati, which allowed the university to use his name, image, and likeness for promotional purposes. This agreement was part of a multi-million-dollar deal intended to enhance both parties’ reputations and brands. However, just five months into the contract, Sorsby announced his intention to transfer to another school and subsequently signed a lucrative new NIL deal worth between $4 million and $6 million with another university. According to the University of Cincinnati’s complaint, this action breached their original agreement, which stipulated that Sorsby would owe $1 million in liquidated damages if he transferred before completing the contract term.
The University argues that Sorsby’s actions have caused significant financial harm by depriving them of the anticipated benefits from his increased visibility and success as their representative athlete. Despite acknowledging this obligation in their contract, Sorsby has refused to pay the agreed-upon damages. The university asserts that it fulfilled all its obligations under the agreement prior to Sorsby’s breach and is now seeking enforcement of its rights through legal action.
The lawsuit seeks several forms of relief from the court: a judgment requiring full payment of liquidated damages; compensation for additional damages resulting from Sorsby’s breach; reimbursement for attorney fees and litigation costs; as well as pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on all amounts due. The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by universities navigating NIL agreements with student-athletes amidst evolving NCAA regulations.
Representing the University of Cincinnati are attorneys David DeVillers and Christopher J. Bayh from Barnes & Thornburg LLP. The case is being heard by Judge Michael R. Barrett under Case ID 1:26-cv-00200-MRB.
Source: 126cv00200_University_of_Cincinnati_v_Sorsby_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf