Wisconsin Football Faces Legal Threat Over Transfer Portal Dispute

MADISON, Wis. — A legal battle is brewing between the University of Wisconsin football program and former cornerback Xavier Lucas, who claims the school is refusing to release him into the NCAA transfer portal. Lucas, a standout freshman in 2024, announced his intention to transfer on Dec. 19 but alleges Wisconsin is blocking his entry into the portal, preventing him from exploring opportunities with other schools.

Lucas has retained legal counsel from Darren Heitner, a prominent sports attorney, who called the situation “disgusting” and accused Wisconsin of holding the player “hostage.” Heitner confirmed he has reached out to the NCAA for clarification and is prepared to escalate the matter to litigation if necessary. “I will exhaust every effort to resolve this peacefully, but if the NCAA or Wisconsin refuses to comply, we will have no choice but to escalate,” Heitner said.

According to sources, Lucas signed an agreement to continue playing for Wisconsin in December, shortly before announcing his transfer intentions. However, Heitner disputes the existence of any binding agreement that would prevent Lucas from transferring. “There is no term or terms in a contract that give them the right to prevent him from transferring,” Heitner stated.

Wisconsin’s student-athlete handbook mandates that the compliance office enter a player’s information into the transfer portal within two business days of receiving the necessary paperwork. Heitner claims Lucas submitted his paperwork on Dec. 19, but his name has yet to appear in the portal. The university has not publicly commented on the matter.

Lucas, a former four-star recruit from Pompano Beach, Florida, played in 11 games for the Badgers last season, recording 18 tackles, an interception, and a sack. He was the team’s highest-graded defender by Pro Football Focus. Rivals and 247Sports project that Lucas will transfer to the University of Miami if he is allowed to enter the portal.

The dispute highlights the growing tension between college athletes and institutions over transfer policies and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Heitner emphasized the potential long-term consequences for Wisconsin’s recruiting efforts if the situation is not resolved amicably. “The sooner Wisconsin reverses course, the better it will be for the institution long-term,” he said.