UC’s Scott Satterfield, Cotton, Sorsby, Peek Jr. on TCU
UC’s Scott Satterfield, Joe Cotton, Brendan Sorsby, Antwan Peek Jr. on TCU
Brendan Sorsby has likely quarterbacked his last game for the Cincinnati Bearcats.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound dual-threat has opted out of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and entered the transfer portal. According to sources close to the redshirt junior, he is weighing his options between the NFL draft and what’s available in the transfer portal.
Sorsby posted the following on his social media accounts:
“I want to start out by saying how grateful I am for the opportunities and blessings that God has given me. I am truly grateful for all this place has meant to me.
To my family, I’m forever thankful for your love and support throughout my journey. Without you all, I would not be where I am today.
I want to thank Coach Satt, Coach Thomas, Coach Canada and the rest of the staff for all the work that they have put in towards my development as not only a quarterback, but also as a person. It has shaped me into the man I am today.
To my teammates, I appreciate you guys more than you know. I’ll never forget all the memories we’ve shared on and off the field. All the highs and lows that we’ve been through I wouldn’t trade for anything.
After a lot of prayer and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”
The Cincinnati Bearcats’ first open practice for media was Dec. 15 and it was confirmed before the workout that Sorsby would not be there.
Brendan Sorsby Cincinnati Bearcats numbers
This season, Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He ran for 580 yards and nine scores. His best throwing game was the 388 yards in the come-from-behind win at Kansas and his best rushing game was 96 yards in the opener in Kansas City vs. Nebraska.
In his first season, he threw for 2,813 yards and 18 touchdowns with seven interceptions. His rushing numbers were 447 yards for nine scores. His season high passing was 426 yards for four touchdowns in a 44-41 loss at Texas Tech, and he ran for 143 yards in a late-season loss at Iowa State.
Who steps in at QB for UC?
Next in line would be senior Brady Lichtenberg, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound veteran from Toledo who actually took snaps in the 2022 Wasabi Fenway Bowl against Louisville. Lichtenberg had one carry for five yards in the 24-7 loss in UC’s last bowl game.
This season he was 4-for-6 for 56 yards and a touchdown in relief of Sorsby in the 70-0 drubbing of Northwestern State. Sorsby had thrown five touchdown passes in the first quarter and was done by halftime when it was 56-0.
In 2023, Lichtenberg was 3-for-5 passing and he had most of his experience in the 2023 inaugural Big 12 season when he was 19-for-36 for 252 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Emory Jones Jr.
There’s also redshirt freshman Samaj Jones from Philadelphia, who was 2-for-2 for 56 yards and a touchdown against Northwestern State, in addition to running for 26 yards on three carries.
Jones arguably has the best arm on the team and was the featured quarterback in April’s spring scrimmage.
Leverage worked in Sorsby’s favor
In addition to the rumors of being offered $4 million by different schools (first reported by former college coach Rick Neuheisel on Sirius XM’s “Full Ride” morning show) Sorsby has been valued by many NFL draft experts.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports recently pegged him as the No. 31 pick of the first round by the Los Angeles Rams in a mock draft.
That same mock draft has UC linebacker Jake Golday as the No. 49 pick overall (second round) to the Indianapolis Colts.
Autozone Liberty Bowl
The Bearcats will practice in Cincinnati, then head to Memphis for bowl festivities starting Dec. 30. It’s doubtful their opponent, the Navy Midshipmen, will have opt-outs.
When asked such on Dec. 7, Navy coach Brian Newberry replied, “They better not!”
The game is scheduled for Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. ET at the Liberty Bowl Stadium in Memphis. UC last won a bowl game in Memphis, defeating Vanderbilt 31-24 in 2011.
