Wisconsin football cornerback suing the NCAA over denied eligibility waiver
Wisconsin Badgers CB Nyzier Fourqurean is suing the NCAA after his waiver of additional eligibility from his D2 playing time was denied.
Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean isn’t ready for his college football career to end just yet—and now, he’s taking legal action to fight for another season of eligibility.
Fourqurean has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The Mentor, Ohio native, is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief after the governing body denied his request for an additional season of collegiate eligibility.
According to the legal filing, Fourqurean is challenging NCAA Bylaws 12.8.1 (the "Five-Year Rule"), 12.02.6 (the "Intercollegiate Competition Rule"), and 14.3.3 (the "Three-Year Transfer Limitation").
The former Division II standout, who played two seasons at Grand Valley State under Matt Mitchell before transferring to Wisconsin, argues that his years at the lower division should not count against his eligibility at the Division I level.
"If he is not granted at least another year of eligibility, plaintiff must declare for the NFL draft on or before February 7, 2025, if he intends to play professional football for the 2025-2026 season," the complaint says.
Fourqurean's suit follows a precedent set by New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia, who successfully fought for additional eligibility by contesting how the NCAA counts JUCO years.
Fourequrean hopes to apply the same logic to Division II transfers after watching his teammate, running back Tawee Walker, who leveraged the same reasoning from the Pavia case to secure another year of eligibility before transferring to the University of Cincinnati.
Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers coaching staff have reportedly offered Fourqurean a spot on its 2025 roster, but the NCAA's ruling currently prevents him from returning to the football program.
The lawsuit argues that denying his waiver causes "significant harm" and violates NCAA rules. Additionally, he cites financial damages, pointing to lost Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings and revenue-sharing opportunities available exclusively to Division I athletes.
Fourqurean has played a meaningful role in Wisconsin’s secondary the past two seasons, logging 1,105 snaps—569 of which have come in coverage for the Badgers, according to Pro Football Focus data.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound corner has racked up 90 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, along with two sacks, an interception, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble during his time in Madison.
In 2024, Fourqurean earned a 71.3 defensive grade from PFF, including a 70.8 grade in coverage. His advanced metrics held up well, landing him in the 80th percentile nationally in coverage grade with no pressure and the 53rd percentile in coverage grade at the outside corner spot—showing his ability to hold his own in coverage, even without extra help.
With the NFL Draft deadline approaching, Fourqurean is seeking immediate court intervention to secure his eligibility and continue his college career at Wisconsin. The Badgers staff would gladly welcome back their starting outside corner, giving them a strong duo alongside Ricardo Hallman, who is set to return for 2025.
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