Wisconsin Football Breaks Silence on Xavier Lucas Transfer Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dillon Graff | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 7:27 PM ET

Wisconsin football has issued a detailed statement addressing the transfer of defensive back Xavier Lucas to Miami, marking the program’s first public comments on the situation.

Lucas signed a binding two-year NIL agreement with Wisconsin Athletics in December and departed for Miami without the Badgers entering his name into the transfer portal. The 6-foot-2 cornerback did so by withdrawing from school and enrolling at Miami—a move Wisconsin alleges involved tampering by the Hurricanes football program.

During his freshman campaign in 2024, Lucas appeared in 11 games, recording 18 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception in his debut against Western Michigan. According to Pro Football Focus, Lucas earned an 81.3 overall defensive grade—the highest among Wisconsin defenders. His 80.6 pass coverage grade also led all Badgers defensive backs and ranked sixth among Big Ten cornerbacks.

“We are disappointed that Xavier Lucas has chosen to withdraw from the University of Wisconsin. He has been a valued member of our football program, and we were looking forward to helping him continue to grow as a student, a person, and a football player,” the statement begins.

The Badgers detailed that Lucas’ NIL agreement with Wisconsin Athletics included “substantial financial compensation” and was signed alongside a separate deal with the Varsity Collective. Wisconsin also emphasized that requests to enter the portal after signing such agreements contradict the understanding and terms of these contracts.

"Badger student-athletes who have signed these agreements expect Wisconsin Athletics to honor the terms," the statement continued.

"In turn, Wisconsin Athletics relies on the student-athlete representations in signing these agreements that they will do the same."

Wisconsin also alleged “credible information indicating impermissible contact between Xavier and University of Miami football program personnel prior to Xavier’s request to enter the transfer portal,” citing a potential NCAA tampering violation.

“This is another significant moment in the evolution of college athletics,” the statement reads. "As we move toward a future state that will rely on direct contracting with student-athletes, enforcing the parties’ adherence to contractual obligations and addressing improper interference by other institutions must be a priority.

"The system cannot work without an operational model that establishes and enforces agreed upon rules."

Wisconsin concluded by saying it will continue reviewing facts as they unfold in this matter and evaluate all options moving forward, leaving the door open for potential legal action.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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