Tag: Xavier Lucas

First look at former Wisconsin CB Xavier Lucas in a Miami Hurricanes uniform

LOOK: First look at former Wisconsin CB Xavier Lucas in a Miami Hurricanes uniform

Former Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas shared a first look at him in a Miami Hurricanes uniform on Tuesday night.

“Feels good to be home,” Lucas wrote on X. It is his first public comment since reportedly bypassing the transfer portal to leave Wisconsin for Miami earlier this month.

Related: Significant takeaways from Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas leaving for Miami

Lucas’ departure has dominated the national college football headlines over the last few weeks. The timeline of events is as follows: Lucas reportedly signed a ‘binding’ agreement with Wisconsin in early December after a breakout true freshman season. He then expressed his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 19 before stating publicly on Dec. 27 that Wisconsin was blocking him from doing so.

The situation stayed out of the public eye for some time until Lucas hired a Florida-based attorney, who immediately took to X to threaten legal action against Wisconsin.

That chain of events finally led to Lucas leaving for Miami on Jan. 17 despite never officially entering the transfer portal.

Here, now, is a first look at Lucas as a member of the Hurricanes:

Much has been written about Lucas’ move. It’s a challenging topic to ignore, especially as his lawyer appears on Paul Finebaum’s ESPN show to discuss the situation.

A sentiment shared universally: The litigation to follow, whether Wisconsin vs. Miami, Wisconsin vs. Lucas, the Big Ten vs. the ACC, or other, could set significant future precedent. The result could begin to redefine player movement, the sport’s transfer structure, or even relations between conferences.

It’s extremely unlikely this is the last we’ll hear of the conflict. Wisconsin recently said it will “continue to review facts as they unfold in this manner and will evaluate all options going forward to determine the appropriate course of action.” The Big Ten also rushed to its defense, stating it “stands in full support of the University of Wisconsin regarding the contractual agreement between student-athlete Xavier Lucas and the Wisconsin football program.”

Those comments are just one part of what appears to be a complicated legal issue.

On the field, Lucas moves to Miami after playing in 11 games as a true freshman in 2024, totaling 18 tackles, two for loss, one sack, an interception and two pass deflections. He was immediately one of the top players in a talented Wisconsin cornerback room.

His departure is a significant blow to Wisconsin’s defense both in 2025 and beyond. Lucas projects as a three-year starter with the Hurricanes — a team looking to build upon an impressive 10-3 2024 campaign.

Stay tuned throughout the offseason as more is made clear about the ramifications of Lucas’ departure, both on and off the field.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion

Big Ten releases statement ‘in full support’ of Wisconsin football in conflict with Xavier Lucas

The Big Ten has chimed in on the Xavier Lucas saga

The Big Ten Conference has taken a side in the ongoing Wisconsin vs. Xavier Lucas transfer portal saga.

For those unaware, Ross Dellenger reported on Friday that Lucas was leaving Wisconsin for Miami despite the Badgers blocking him from officially entering the transfer portal. The dispute, one which is far from resolved, revolves around Lucas signing a “binding two-year NIL agreement with Wisconsin” before exiting.

Related: Significant takeaways from Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas leaving for Miami

Wisconsin recently made its first public comment on the situation, alleging “impermissible contact between Xavier [Lucas] and the University of Miami football program personnel prior to Xavier’s request to enter the transfer portal.” In other words, it says Miami was tampering with Lucas before he announced his intention to transfer.

Wisconsin then concluded its statement by noting it will “continue to review facts as they unfold in this manner and will evaluate all options going forward to determine the appropriate course of action.”

The Big Ten Conference was fast to Wisconsin’s defense, releasing a statement of its own just 20 minutes after the Badgers’. Here is the full release:

“The Big Ten Conference stands in full support of the University of Wisconsin regarding the contractual agreement between student-athlete Xavier Lucas and the Wisconsin football program.

As student-athletes become active participants in revenue sharing, it is critical that agreed-to obligations be respected, honored, and enforced. In light of current laws and association rules, information suggesting tampering and contract interference in this case by the University of Miami is very troubling. These actions undermine the efforts of its own conference as the ACC continues its collaboration with the other A4 conferences in developing a sustainable framework for college sports.

This situation is just the latest example of the critical need for substantive governance reform.”

The following two sentences are the most significant: “As student-athletes become active participants in revenue sharing, it is critical that agreed-to obligations be respected, honored, and enforced. In light of current laws and association rules, information suggesting tampering and contract interference in this case by the University of Miami is very troubling.” The Big Ten is backing Wisconsin’s side of the dispute, all the way to supporting its allegations of Miami’s tampering.

The next steps in the situation are unclear. Lucas’ side, or at least his lawyer, believes that he has legal grounds to make the reported move to Miami without officially transferring. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is adamant that its contract with Lucas “remains in effect and enforceable.”

A logical next step is litigation, especially if Lucas suits up for the Hurricanes next season. The Big Ten’s clear defense of Wisconsin is a notable development, as the conference will now likely be a part of the legal process that follows.

What began as Lucas announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 19, which was a surprising development after he excelled as a true freshman in 2024, is now growing in complexity. Wisconsin’s dispute with the cornerback Lucas (and Miami) is growing to include more parties with each passing day.

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Wisconsin football releases statement on Xavier Lucas-to-Miami transfer saga

Wisconsin football releases statement on Xavier Lucas-to-Miami transfer saga

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Wisconsin football released a statement on cornerback Xavier Lucas’ reported departure to Miami on Saturday.

News of his move came on Friday. Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger was the first to report that Lucas was leaving for Miami without officially entering the transfer portal. Wisconsin had held the standout freshman cornerback out of the portal after he “signed a two-year revenue-share agreement” in early December, per Dellenger.

Related: Significant takeaways from Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas leaving for Miami

Lucas’ camp has been adamant about Wisconsin’s wrongdoing. His lawyer was posting to X on Saturday morning, a full 12 hours after Friday’s news, his opinion that Wisconsin was in violation of NCAA bylaws.

The Badgers finally issued their response on Saturday evening. Here are the highlights:

“On December 2, Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics entered into a binding two-year NIL agreement reflecting his strong commitment to continuing with the Wisconsin football program. We understand that he also executed a similar agreement with the Varsity Collective. His agreement with Wisconsin Athletics included substantial financial compensation for Xavier. Under the terms of the agreement between Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics, it remains in effect and enforceable…

Under the transfer portal provision used by Xavier this past week, any contact between a student-athlete enrolled at one institution and the football program to which they are transferring is prohibited per NCAA rules. We have credible information indicating impermissible contact between Xavier and the University of Miami football program personnel prior to Xavier’s request to enter the transfer portal. Direct interference with another institution’s committed player and contractual interests is prohibited by NCAA tampering rules and law…

We continue to review facts as they unfold in this manner and will evaluate all options going forward to determine the appropriate course of action.”

Here is a link to the full statement, courtesy of ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Thamel also followed up on X, noting that “The Big Ten is expected to come out strongly in support of Wisconsin…The Big Ten believes that Miami’s actions are ‘inconsistent with all the work toward a new framework being done by the A4 leagues, including the ACC,’ per a source.”

In other words, what began as a Lucas vs. Wisconsin issue is likely to expand to the Big Ten vs. the ACC vs. NCAA.

(Update: The Big Ten released a statement on Saturday, saying it is “in full support of Wisconsin regarding the contractual agreement between student-athlete Xavier Lucas and the Wisconsin football program”).

As we indicated after Lucas’ reported departure to Miami, this situation is likely far from a resolution. Saturday’s release is Wisconsin’s first public statement on the matter. It follows much of the information that had previously been reported by BadgerExtra’s Colten Bartholomew: the program believes that Lucas is in violation of an agreement he signed in the days before expressing his intention to enter the portal.

What happens next is hard to predict. Lucas may have a hard time suiting up for Miami in 2025 without significant litigation occurring. It has the makings of a college football-wide battle that could shape the future of the sport and its structure.

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Opinion: There is a third party at fault in the Wisconsin vs. Xavier Lucas saga

Opinion: There is a third party at fault in the Wisconsin vs. Xavier Lucas saga

The Wisconsin vs. Xavier Lucas saga took a significant turn on Friday night as Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger reported that Lucas is leaving for Miami without officially entering the transfer portal.

Quickly, here is a recap of events:

  • Early December: Lucas reportedly signs a deal with Wisconsin’s collective that ‘binds’ him to the school, giving it non-exclusive rights to market his name, image and likeness
  • Dec. 19: Lucas announces his intention to enter the portal
  • Dec. 27: Lucas states publicly that Wisconsin is ‘refusing to release’ him to the portal
  • Dec. 28: The winter transfer window closes. Lucas has still yet to be officially entered
  • Jan. 7: Lucas hires a Florida-based attorney, who quickly threatens legal action against Wisconsin
  • Jan. 17: Lucas reportedly commits to Miami despite never officially entering the transfer portal

A few things are clear. First, this is not the last we will hear of this ongoing situation. Dellenger’s report reads that Lucas ‘breaking the agreement could trigger litigation from Wisconsin onto Lucas and/or Miami.’ That agreement, to be clear, is between Lucas and Wisconsin’s collective — not with the school itself.

Second, the result of whatever litigation that follows will likely craft the future of the sport. Lucas is the first player to test college football’s loosely-defined NIL and transfer structure. His case will be used as precedent for any future cases and disputes that follow.

Regardless of how this situation affects Wisconsin on the field in 2025 and beyond, and how everybody got to this point, it’s clear that one prominent party is the most at fault. That isn’t Wisconsin, it isn’t Luke Fickell and it isn’t Xavier Lucas. It’s the NCAA.

Whether it was Lucas this offseason or another player in the near future, the current unregulated NIL structure, which is paid by third parties and not by the schools themselves, is unsustainable. So is the NCAA creating transfer portal windows and guidelines that it can’t specifically enforce, as we’re currently seeing with Lucas’ move.

ESPN’s Kevin Clark summed up the chain events on X: “Wisconsin said a kid couldn’t go in the portal, the kid and his lawyer said ‘the portal doesn’t exist’ and the NCAA said ‘you got us there.'”

College football has existed in an undefined world for some time, especially since legislation was passed in 2021 that allowed players to profit off their name, image and likeness. What the Lucas situation does more than anything is continue to expose the NCAA’s lack of power. Whatever well-intentioned guardrails that were implemented, such as transfer windows, will soon become irrelevant once it becomes clear that an enforcement structure doesn’t exist.

This argument goes back years, as the NCAA scrambled to react to the mentioned legislation instead of proactively planning for it. While much is now out of its control, there is no other entity that is more responsible for this current mess.

As a fan of the sport and somebody who wants it to succeed, I can only hope that this situation helps the sport find a sustainable future. That could be some form of contracts between the players and the school, or a breakaway semi-professional entity that separates entirely from the NCAA. Whatever that future looks like, it needs to come together quickly.

After all, it’s the NCAA’s lack of foresight and structure that led to this entire mess in the first place.

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Report: Wisconsin star cornerback Xavier Lucas leaves to Miami … without entering the portal

A significant update to the Xavier Lucas saga

Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas has left for Miami, according to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger.

He does so without entering the transfer portal. Wisconsin blocked him from doing so during the winter window after Lucas reportedly “signed a two-year revenue-share agreement” in early December, per Dellenger.

Related: Significant takeaways from Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas leaving for Miami

Here is a brief timeline of events: Lucas originally announced his intention to enter the portal on Dec. 19. He stated publicly on Dec. 27 that Wisconsin was refusing to release him. No movement was made as the winter window closed on Dec. 28. Lucas hired a Florida-based attorney on Jan. 7, who quickly threatened legal action against Wisconsin.

The latest update is Dellenger’s report: Lucas leaving for Miami. It is unlikely to be the last in a series of events that may carry significance for the sport’s future.

Dellenger writes that Lucas signed a Big Ten-issued template form in early December that “binds” him to Wisconsin, giving it non-exclusive rights to his name, image and likeness. In other words, it’s the closest thing in college football to a contract. That contract is not with the school, however, but rather with its collective. This understandably creates confusion about how the contract can be enforced or who can enforce it.

Lucas exiting the reported agreement and playing for Miami could result in litigation, the result of which could define the future of college football’s transfer structure.

This is the first significant case of a player challenging the strength of the sport’s NIL-related agreements, as well as that transfer structure. Lucas winning any potential litigation would make irrelevant most of the existing infrastructure the sport has in place, transfer windows as a prominent example.

This situation will also obviously affect Wisconsin on the field. Lucas was an emerging star as a true freshman and was set to lead the Badgers’ cornerback room for the next three seasons.

It is unlikely to be the last headline in the Wisconsin-Xavier Lucas transfer saga. Now, at least, his destination is clear.

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Report: Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas still not in the transfer portal, hires attorney

Another big update to the Xavier Lucas transfer saga

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Wisconsin freshman cornerback Xavier Lucas has still yet to officially enter the transfer portal.

This update arrives nearly two weeks after Lucas’ last public comments on the situation (Dec. 27): “I still intend to transfer,” Lucas wrote on X. “But at the moment Wisconsin is refusing to release me into the transfer portal.”

Related: Where Wisconsin football transfers have signed so far

Those comments arrived as the winter transfer window was closing — players had until Dec. 28 to officially enter, unless they played in a bowl game scheduled for after that date.

On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed on Wednesday that Lucas’ name has yet to officially appear. According to the cornerback, this is due to Wisconsin blocking him from entering. According to a BadgerExtra report from Dec. 27, Wisconsin believes Lucas must honor a deal he signed with the program in early December — just days before publicly announcing his intention to transfer.

To add complexity to an issue that still appears far from a resolution: Lucas has reportedly hired legal representation. On3’s Matt Shodell confirmed on Tuesday that Lucas has hired Darren Heitner, a well-known Florida-based attorney who specializes in sports law and name, image and likeness (NIL). Heitner is also an adjunct professor at the University of Miami where he teaches classes on the latter.

“I have contacted the NCAA demanding that it enforce its rules which require [Xavier] Lucas’ name to be entered into the transfer database,” Heitner wrote on X on Tuesday. “If Wisconsin doesn’t budge, then we will escalate this matter to litigation.”

There has been no public response from Wisconsin, nor any apparent resolution to Lucas’ desire to enter the portal. According to Heitner, litigation could soon follow.

Wisconsin, meanwhile, received major news on Wednesday with star cornerback Ricardo Hallman returning for a final season. Hallman and transfers Geimere Latimer (Jacksonville State) and D’Yoni Hill (Miami) figure to lead the team’s cornerback group in 2025.

Lucas’ impending departure is one of several from a cornerback room that was one of the Badgers’ strengths in 2024. Wisconsin has successfully recrafted its starting trio entering 2025. Its depth, however, remains a big question.

Nakos notes that Lucas would immediately become a top available transfer upon entering the portal.

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Saturday marks a significant date in the Wisconsin football offseason, Xavier Lucas saga

Saturday is a big day in the Wisconsin-Xavier Lucas public dispute

Wisconsin football is currently making national headlines due to its somewhat public dispute with star freshman cornerback Xavier Lucas.

Lucas claims that the Badgers are blocking him from entering the transfer portal. That, while BadgerExtra‘s Colten Bartholomew is reporting that Wisconsin believes Lucas must honor a deal he signed with the program in early December. This deal was reportedly signed days before Lucas announced his intention to transfer on Dec. 19.

Related: Ranking Wisconsin football’s transfer portal class by projected 2025 impact

Lucas’ post on X claiming Wisconsin is restricting him from entering the portal is now up to 3.6 million views.

Big picture, this appears to be another fallout from college football’s current unsustainable model of free transfer movement and unregulated NIL money — all without a true governing body.

On a smaller scale, this situation has a significant impact on the Badgers in both 2025 and beyond. Lucas broke through as a true freshman in 2024, playing a significant role on the two-deep alongside starters Ricardo Hallman and Nyzier Fourqurean. He was set to lead the team’s cornerback room in 2025 and beyond.

The situation could have a resolution sooner rather than later. Saturday, Dec. 28 is the final day of the winter transfer window. Schools have until the end of the day to officially file the required paperwork — something Lucas is currently claiming Wisconsin has yet to do.

There is extra time for that paperwork to be processed, which can lead to delayed announcements. But Saturday is the last official day for this situation to reach a resolution. Otherwise, it may have to wait until the spring transfer window (April 16-25) — that if it doesn’t require litigation on a much larger scale.

Excluding Lucas, Wisconsin has seen 24 scholarship players enter the portal since the winter window opened on Dec. 9. Wide receiver Trech Kekahuna is the one entry to return to the program.

Wisconsin’s dispute with Lucas appears more complicated than a simple submission of the paperwork before Saturday’s deadline. If that step isn’t made, which it seems unlikely that it will, this story could grow in prominence as the offseason continues.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

BREAKING: Cornerback Xavier Lucas: ‘Wisconsin is refusing to release me to the transfer portal’

A significant update with Wisconsin star CB Xavier Lucas

Wisconsin’s offseason took another wild turn on Friday afternoon.

Star freshman cornerback Xavier Lucas, who announced his intention to transfer on Dec. 19, publicly stated Wisconsin is “refusing to release me” to the portal.

Related: Ranking Wisconsin football’s transfer portal class by projected 2025 impact

“I still intend to transfer, but at the moment Wisconsin is refusing to release me into the transfer portal,” Lucas wrote on X. “I’ve met all NCAA requirements of the transfer portal process. I’ve yet to be put into the transfer portal by Wisconsin which is impeding my ability to speak with schools.”

What began as a significant headline in an offseason of roster movement has now grown in significance. The top cornerback is attempting to exit after one season with the Badgers. He played a primary role as a true freshman, totaling 18 tackles (12 solo), two tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and two pass deflections. Given the significant offseason roster movement at the position, he was set to lead the room in 2025 and beyond.

There are no further details about this situation and how far it is from a resolution. The transfer window closes on Dec. 28, which could be a reason for the timing of Lucas’ public statement.

As of now, it appears another in a long list of messy situations in the current age of college athletics, specifically with free roster movement and an unregulated NIL system.

Stay tuned to Badgers Wire throughout the upcoming days as the story gains clarity, both with a resolution and the reason for the apparent conflict.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin star freshman cornerback enters NCAA transfer portal

Stunning news for the Badgers

Wisconsin true freshman cornerback Xavier Lucas announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Thursday.

His departure is the most stunning of the cycle to date. He is the 21st Wisconsin scholarship player to depart and arguably possibly the most impactful. The breakout freshman enters with three years of eligibility remaining.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

Lucas joined the Badgers as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024, ranked as the No. 372 player in the country, No. 35 safety and No. 52 recruit from the state of Florida. He chose the program over offers from top programs including Alabama, Miami, Auburn, Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

Lucas then emerged as a rising star immediately upon arriving on campus. He earned a spot on the two-deep to start the season and went on to play a primary role throughout. He closed the year with 12 games played, 18 tackles (12 solo), two tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and two pass deflections.

Notably, Lucas is the sixth player from Wisconsin’s cornerback room to enter the transfer portal. The group’s depth has been decimated in that time, as most departures were top recruits from the program’s 2023 and 2024 classes.

Lucas’ departure matters more than most others given his inside track at a starting job in 2025 and for the years to follow.

Wisconsin now must add starting cornerback to its list of roster needs. The program’s only players at the position entering 2025, as of Dec. 19, are senior Ricardo Hallman, redshirt freshmen Jay Harper and Omilio Agard, and true freshmen Jaimier Scott, Cairo Skanes and Jahmare Washington.

For more on the now-former Badgers in the transfer portal and where they end up, bookmark our 2024 transfer portal departure tracker.

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Wisconsin cornerback among PFF’s best true freshman of 2024 season

Wisconsin cornerback among PFF’s best true freshman of 2024 season

Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas continues to grade well in the eyes of ProFootballFocus.

The standout true freshman has an overall grade of 80.7 through seven weeks of action, good for sixth among all true freshmen in the Power Four.

Related: Ranking the biggest storylines entering Wisconsin’s premier matchup with Penn State

Lucas has battled minor injuries throughout the season, though has been mostly available for Mike Tressel’s secondary. He has recorded nine total tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and two pass deflections in that time.

Raw statistics are often misleading when evaluating cornerbacks, however, as those who are thrown toward less are usually the ones who are best in coverage. For example, Wisconsin star CB Ricardo Hallman barely has any counting statistics this season (nine tackles, four pass deflections), but he’s playing like one of the best corners in the country.

Lucas is certainly playing up to that caliber.

He trails only Oklahoma‘s Eli Bowen (81.4), Louisville’s Isaac Brown (81.6), Ohio State‘s Jeremiah Smith (82.4), Texas‘ Colin Simmons (86.4) and Minnesota’s Koi Perich (91.1) on PFF’s latest list of the true freshmen in the sport:

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1849437436402683981

Lucas’ status for Wisconsin’s Saturday night showdown with No. 3 Penn State is somewhat up in the air. He left the Badgers’ win over Northwestern last weekend and did not return. There has since been no material update on his availability for Saturday.

His status will be worth monitoring as kickoff nears for a season-defining opportunity for Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers.

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