Quick Read
- Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati’s quarterback, has entered the transfer portal and will skip the Liberty Bowl.
- Sorsby posted 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and nine rushing TDs this season.
- Indiana and Texas Tech are top contenders for his next move; he’s also considering the NFL draft.
- Cincinnati will likely start Brady Lichtenberg in the Liberty Bowl against Navy.
- Sorsby’s transfer reflects the impact of NIL deals and increased athlete mobility in college football.
Brendan Sorsby’s Departure: A Defining Moment for Cincinnati Football
On December 15, 2025, the Cincinnati Bearcats confirmed what many insiders had suspected: Brendan Sorsby, their standout dual-threat quarterback, would not suit up for the upcoming Liberty Bowl. Instead, he’s entered the transfer portal, signaling a seismic shift not only for Cincinnati but for the broader college football landscape. (Cincinnati.com, CBSSports.com)
Sorsby’s Statement: Gratitude and Reflection
In a heartfelt social media post, Sorsby expressed deep appreciation for the Bearcats program, his coaches, teammates, and family. He described his decision as the result of “a lot of prayer and thoughtful consideration,” underscoring the gravity of his next steps. His words were less about statistics and more about legacy—about growth, camaraderie, and the bittersweet nature of moving on.
A Career Marked by Numbers and Highlights
Sorsby’s impact on the Bearcats is best measured by his performance on the field. This season, he threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, with just five interceptions—a model of efficiency and explosiveness. His 580 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns cemented his status as one of the Big 12’s most dangerous dual-threat QBs. His highlight reel includes a come-from-behind, 388-yard passing performance against Kansas, and a 96-yard rushing showcase in the opener versus Nebraska. Even in his first season with Cincinnati, Sorsby set the bar high: 2,813 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and more than 400 rushing yards. These aren’t just numbers—they’re milestones that shaped Cincinnati’s identity and kept fans hopeful through ups and downs.
Why Leave Now? The Transfer Portal’s Pull and NFL Dreams
So why would a quarterback with such momentum step away before the Liberty Bowl? The answer lies in the changing landscape of college football. With the transfer portal now a mainstay, players like Sorsby have unprecedented leverage. Rumors—confirmed by media outlets and former coaches—suggest Sorsby could command multi-million dollar NIL offers from top programs. At the same time, NFL draft experts have pegged him as a late first-round pick, with some predicting he could join the Los Angeles Rams (CBS Sports). The decision isn’t just about a bowl game—it’s about maximizing opportunity at a pivotal moment.
Possible Destinations: Indiana Reunion or Texas Tech?
Speculation is swirling around where Sorsby might land. Indiana, where he began his collegiate career and played a key role during a coaching transition, is reportedly interested in bringing him back—especially as they seek a successor to Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. Texas Tech is also in the mix, with their offense in need of a mobile, experienced leader. Both programs offer Sorsby a chance to make an immediate impact, either reigniting past connections or forging new ones in a system designed for his skillset.
Cincinnati’s Next Chapter: Who Steps Up at QB?
With Sorsby out, Cincinnati’s quarterback depth will be tested. Senior Brady Lichtenberg, a seasoned backup who’s seen limited action but has bowl experience, is the likely starter for the Liberty Bowl. Redshirt freshman Samaj Jones—praised for his arm strength and spring scrimmage performance—could also see snaps. The Bearcats face Navy on January 2, and while their opponent is unlikely to see opt-outs, Cincinnati’s offense must quickly adapt.
How Sorsby’s Move Reflects Modern College Football
Brendan Sorsby’s decision isn’t just about one player—it’s a microcosm of the new reality for college athletes. With NIL deals, transfer freedom, and NFL aspirations converging, top players are making career moves with a business-like precision once reserved for professionals. Sorsby’s departure, while difficult for Bearcats fans, is emblematic of a system that rewards talent, ambition, and timing.
The Human Side: Memories, Loyalty, and Change
Yet beneath the headlines and speculation, Sorsby’s story is deeply personal. He leaves behind teammates who became friends, coaches who shaped his character, and a fan base that watched him grow. The memories—highs and lows, wins and losses—can’t be measured by stats alone. For Sorsby, the next chapter is unwritten, but his legacy in Cincinnati is secure.
Looking Ahead: NFL or Another College Powerhouse?
As bowl season unfolds, college football fans will watch closely. Will Sorsby declare for the NFL draft and join a franchise hungry for quarterback talent? Or will he leverage the transfer portal for another season of collegiate stardom? Wherever he lands, one thing is certain: Brendan Sorsby’s journey is far from over, and his decision will ripple across the sport.
Brendan Sorsby’s move highlights the rapid evolution of college football, where individual agency and market forces intersect. His story is not only about athletic achievement but about strategic choice—one that reflects both the opportunities and complexities faced by today’s top athletes.