The Big Ten defended Wisconsin refusing to allow cornerback Xavier Lucas to enter the transfer portal. Lucas withdrew from Wisconsin earlier this month and reportedly enrolled at Miami. Wisconsin refused to allow Lucas to enter the transfer portal on the basis that he signed a two-year revenue-sharing agreement.
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo stated in an article on Friday that by not signing formally with Miami, Lucas presumably skirts any NCAA transfer rules. Lucas enrolled for the fall 2025 semester, but is expected to be reclassified for spring 2025, per Dellenger.
Lucas' attorney Darren Heitner has been very active on social media in defending his client. Heitner stated on Monday morning, "No athlete should sign these exploitative MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) without legal counsel to review and negotiate key terms."
Dellenger stated that Lucas withdrawing from Wisconsin and enrolling at Miami without formally entering the transfer portal avoids a legal filing for now. According to Dellenger, Heitner planned to file an antitrust lawsuit against Wisconsin by claiming they violated NCAA rules by not placing Lucas' name into the transfer portal.
A statement from the Big Ten. pic.twitter.com/lPi1WLMmQ1
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) January 19, 2025
The Big Ten is standing with Wisconsin over the Xavier Lucas drama
The Big Ten leans on the alleged contractual agreement between Lucas and Wisconsin. NCAA athletes are not yet under contract directly to play sports - the contracts from their Name, Image and Likeness with theoretical outside sources. The Big Ten's second paragraph apparently only applies to Lucas and not Wisconsin.
The Big Ten stated, "It is critical that agreed to obligations be respected, honored and enforced." Wisconsin did not live up to its obligation to place Lucas' name into the transfer portal two days after his request as NCAA by-laws state. There has been no proof publically that Miami tampered with Lucas.
No athlete should sign these exploitative MOUs without legal counsel to review and negotiate key terms. I have previously discussed many concerns, including but not limited to schools’ right to decrease compensation at their sole discretion. Disgusting job by the Big Ten. https://t.co/y3Gd0Tljv4
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) January 20, 2025
Dellenger stated the Big Ten issues a template that binds all players who sign a revenue-sharing agreement, including Lucas, that grants a school a player's non-exclusive rights to use and market their NIL. The agreement per Dellenger prohibits a player's rights to be used by any other school or sign other marketing agreements.
Dellenger added, "Breaking the agreement could trigger litigation from Wisconsin onto Lucas and/or Miami." Dellenger also quoted an NCAA spokesman stating, “NCAA rules do not prevent a student-athlete from unenrolling from an institution, enrolling at a new institution and competing immediately,”
Lucas' case could set multiple precedents. Football Bowl Subdivision coaches voted last week to shorten the transfer portal window from 20 days in December and 10 in April to 10 in January. The control programs have over a player and how contracts are tied to their playing status will be impacted in the future.