Cincinnati Sues Former Quarterback Over Eviction Fee

Cincinnati is taking legal action against its former quarterback, Brendan Thorsby, to enforce a $1 million eviction fee he is reportedly refusing to pay after moving to another football program.

The university has filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming Thorsby breached his NIL contract with Cincinnati when he transferred to Texas Tech. This information, well, at least according to ESPN.

The suit was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and seeks $1 million in damages.

In a statement, Cincinnati noted, “Brendan Thorsby committed to playing two seasons as a Bearcat representative under a lucrative NIL contract. He also agreed to pay the university a specified amount for damages if he left the university early.” They emphasized their commitment to honoring contractual obligations, also thanking him for his time and wishing him luck in the future.

The university’s complaint alleges that Thorsby’s representatives urged him to avoid paying the university, claiming he violated contract terms when he announced his Texas Tech admission via a billboard in Times Square right after entering the transfer portal on January 2.

It’s worth noting Thorsby reportedly secured an NIL contract with Texas Tech valued between $4 million and $6 million for the upcoming season. His original NIL agreement with Cincinnati was set to last 18 months and extend through the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Cincinnati mentioned in the lawsuit that it paid Thorsby a substantial sum in 2025 with the expectation that most profits would come in the next season after his performance improved and his personal brand grew.

During the 2025 season, Thorsby threw for 2,800 yards, recording 27 touchdowns against five interceptions. He maintained a completion rate of 61.6% and also rushed for 580 yards and nine touchdowns.