In a move that’s already shaking up college football, former University of Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has landed an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with Texas Tech. The deal’s worth? Nearly $6 million—yeah, you read that right.
His agent, Ron Slavin of Lift Sports Management, brokered this record-breaking agreement. It’s now the largest NIL deal in college football history, which is wild if you think about how quickly things have changed in this space.
Sorsby, who ESPN ranked as the top player in this year’s transfer portal, chose Texas Tech for his final year of eligibility. He turned down some pretty hefty offers from other major programs.
Why Texas Tech? He wanted to keep developing his skills and boost his shot at the 2027 NFL Draft. Ambitious, sure, but you can’t really blame him.
The Decision to Enter the Transfer Portal
After Cincinnati wrapped up its regular season, Sorsby started thinking about a change. It was either the transfer portal or the NFL Draft—no easy choice.
He’d been projected as a first to third-round pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. Still, he decided to stick around college for another year, hoping to climb even higher and maybe go first overall in 2027.
Evaluating NFL Prospects
Sorsby got advice from the NFL’s College Advisory Committee, which helps underclassmen figure out their draft chances. The feedback looked good, but he wasn’t convinced he was quite ready yet.
He didn’t want to be one of those quarterbacks who jumps too soon and fizzles out because they didn’t get enough college reps. Guys like Bo Nix, who took the long road, were more his style.
The Transfer Portal Process
The NCAA transfer portal opens on January 2, but players can say they’re transferring as early as December. That early window gives agents and reps a chance to scout out the best fits for their clients.
For Sorsby, LSU, Miami, and Texas Tech were the main contenders. Each school made its pitch, but Texas Tech ended up being the winner.
Choosing Texas Tech
Miami and LSU both put up strong cases, but Texas Tech’s head coach Joey McGuire really made an impression. The school’s facilities, offensive line, and skill players all checked the right boxes.
Plus, playing his final year back in Texas just felt right. Sorsby’s team made sure the NIL money was fully guaranteed and paid upfront by January 1—just in case anything got held up.
Impact on Lift Sports Management
This deal is a huge milestone for Lift Sports Management, which now works with both NBA and NFL clients. Donnie McGrath, the agency’s CEO, called it a big step in building Lift Football’s brand in the business.
Honestly, it’s hard not to see this as a sign of where college sports are headed. Agencies that can pull off deals like this are going to be in high demand, no question.
A New Era in College Football
The landmark NIL deal for Brendan Sorsby marks a real shift in college football. Now, top players can actually cash in on their own marketability and walk away with some serious money.
It’s a big change, honestly. Athletes and agents everywhere are probably eyeing Sorsby’s deal as a kind of measuring stick for what comes next.
If you’re curious about the details, check out the full article on Yahoo Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
