Wisconsin CB Xavier Lucas retains legal representation amid transfer dispute
The Wisconsin Badgers' ongoing transfer portal dispute between them and cornerback Xavier Lucas has taken another turn.
The University of Wisconsin football team is entangled in a highly publicized transfer portal controversy involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, a former four-star recruit from the Badgers 2024 recruiting class.
After an impressive first season in Madison, where Lucas registered 18 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception in 203 defensive snaps—the 6-foot-2 corner announced his intent to transfer in mid-December.
"Thank you Wisconsin for everything," Lucas wrote on X. "I am officially entering the transfer portal."
However, his exit from the team hit an unexpected roadblock.
Despite submitting the necessary paperwork to enter the transfer portal over two weeks ago, Lucas remains unlisted in the NCAA transfer database. The cornerback publicly claimed that Wisconsin is blocking his request, a move that has escalated tensions between the two parties.
"I still intend to transfer, but at the moment Wisconsin is refusing to release me into the transfer portal," Lucas said in a statement on X. "I’ve met all NCAA requirements of the transfer portal process. I’ve yet to be put into the transfer portal by Wisconsin which is impeding my ability to speak with schools."
It’s believed that before heading home to Florida for winter break, Lucas signed a financial agreement tied to an NIL deal facilitated through a third party, adding a layer of complexity to his transfer process.
On Tuesday, the dispute took another turn when Lucas hired legal representation. Darren Heitner, founder of Heitner Legal, who coincidentally teaches NIL at Miami, announced that his firm would represent Lucas in the matter moving forward.
Heitner wasted no time, sharing on social media that he has contacted the NCAA to demand enforcement of its rules.
“This morning, Xavier Lucas retained HEITNER LEGAL. I have contacted the NCAA demanding that it enforce its rules, which require Mr. Lucas’ name to be entered into the transfer database,” Heitner wrote. “If Wisconsin doesn’t budge, then we will escalate this matter to litigation.”
Lucas’ representatives shared with BadgerNotes that they reached out to the university but have yet to receive a reply. Right now, they’re waiting on Wisconsin to supply the information that’s prevented them from allowing Lucas to transfer out of the program because they’re not aware of a third party agreement.