Despite refusing to allow cornerback Xavier Lucas to enter the transfer portal, the University of Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against Miami for tampering. Lucas withdrew from Wisconsin and transferred to Miami on his own after the Badgers refused to release him.
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reported on the lawsuit on Friday morning. Dellenger stated, "The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective filed a complaint in state circuit court on Friday against the University of Miami over alleged tortious interference, according to documents obtained by Yahoo Sports."
The lawsuit could set a precedent for the ability of players to enter the transfer portal. Programs have two days to enter a player into the transfer portal after the request. Dellenger explained Wisconsin wants unspecified damages, transparency and accountability from Miami in relation to Lucas' transfer.
Darren Heitner, the attorney for Lucas, stated in January, "Wisconsin is treating an NIL agreement as an employment contract while concurrently seeking to establish that the agreement doesn't create a fiduciary relationship between the parties..."
NEWS: In a landmark moment in college sports, the University of Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against Miami for tampering, and eventually poaching, a college football player under contract (Xavier Lucas), per documents obtained by @YahooSports.https://t.co/KVYafcAdm5
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) June 20, 2025
Dellenger quoted from the lawsuit, “Miami interfered with UW-Madison’s relationship with Student-Athlete A (Lucas) by making impermissible contact with him and engaging in tampering.” Wisconsin issued a statement to Yahoo Sports stating it reluctantly filed the lawsuit and that they are not suing Lucas.
The Big 10 is supporting the lawsuit from Wisconsin. The ACC has not issued a statement about Lucas transferring or if they are supporting Miami. Lucas signed a two-year NIL deal with Wisconsin that was set to go into effect on July 1, when programs can begin paying players directly.
The question in the future in regard to Lucas, Miami and Wisconsin will be how binding NIL deals are in relation to a player being bound to his program. Heitner as stated above and separately, has maintained NIL deals do not bind a player to a university and are separate contracts.