Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Entering Transfer Portal
Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has announced he will enter the transfer portal, a move that introduces major uncertainty for the Bearcats while positioning Sorsby as one of the most sought-after players this offseason.
Along with exploring new college opportunities, Sorsby is also seeking feedback from NFL evaluators as he considers whether to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Thank you 🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/Wx6JI44zP7
— Brendan Sorsby (@Brendan_Sorsby2) December 15, 2025
Sorsby leaves Cincinnati after two seasons as the program’s unquestioned starter, during which he started 24 consecutive games and helped stabilize the Bearcats during a transitional period. His departure creates an immediate void at quarterback, as Cincinnati is set to lose significant experience at the position. With Brady Lichtenberg out of eligibility and Zeb Kinsey already transferred, the Bearcats’ quarterback room will include only Samaj Jones and incoming freshman Brooks Goodman when January arrives. As a result, Cincinnati is widely expected to pursue a veteran quarterback through the portal.
Not long after the season concluded, SiriusXM analyst Rick Neuheisel reported that Sorsby had already drawn substantial financial interest, with multiple schools believed to have floated NIL packages north of $4 million. Programs such as Texas Tech, Miami and Indiana are among those expected to explore the possibility of landing the veteran quarterback as they look ahead to the 2026 season.
Before arriving in Cincinnati, Sorsby spent two years at Indiana. He entered the transfer portal following the dismissal of former Hoosiers head coach Tom Allen, a decision that ultimately reshaped his career trajectory. The move to Cincinnati paid dividends, as Sorsby developed into one of the Big 12 league’s most productive quarterbacks.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton/Bearcatsportshub)
Over his two seasons with the Bearcats, Sorsby threw for more than 2,800 yards each year and posted a 45-to-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also established himself as a legitimate dual-threat weapon, rushing for 18 touchdowns across those two seasons. While his production tailed off late in both seasons, the overall body of work highlighted his arm talent, athleticism and ability to stress defenses in multiple ways.
The 2025 season marked the most efficient stretch of Sorsby’s career. He finished the year responsible for 36 total touchdowns, tied for the third-most in the FBS, while throwing just five interceptions. He averaged a Big 12-best 13.5 yards per completion and guided Cincinnati to a 7–5 record, earning the program its first bowl appearance since 2022. Sorsby is not expected to play in the Liberty Bowl against Navy on Jan. 2, which coincides with the opening of the transfer portal window.
Sorsby’s growth as a runner has also boosted his value. Each season as a starter saw an uptick in his rushing impact, culminating in a career-high 580 yards on 100 carries this fall. He added nine rushing touchdowns for the second straight year, reinforcing his reputation as a quarterback who can extend plays and punish defenses on the ground.
While Cincinnati closed the season on a four-game losing streak and Sorsby’s passing numbers dipped during that stretch, the first half of the year showcased his upside. At one point, he went seven straight games without throwing an interception and tossed at least two touchdown passes in each of those contests, all of which resulted in victories.
Should Sorsby return to college football, he will instantly rank among the most experienced quarterbacks in the nation. The fourth-year junior has appeared in 35 career games, made 31 starts and logged more than 2,100 offensive snaps. That experience, paired with his physical profile, makes him an attractive option for programs with championship aspirations and the resources to compete at the top of the NIL market.
There is also a legitimate NFL angle to Sorsby’s decision. Scouts are intrigued by his combination of size, arm strength and mobility, and in what is widely viewed as a thinner quarterback draft class, a Day 2 grade could be enough to prompt him to declare. If he opts to stay in school, however, he is expected to command elite interest in the portal.