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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