After fighting with the Wisconsin Badgers over the past month over entering his name into the transfer portal, and after signing an agreement with the school regarding revenue sharing, wide receiver Xavier Lucas has now withdrawn from the school and enrolled In Miami.
This is one of the most groundbreaking moves we've seen in college athletics when it comes to how the transfer portal works, and it could lead to big changes in the future. This whole ordeal started when Xavier Lucas decided he wanted to Transferred from Wisconsinlooking for a school closer to home, in the eyes of the wide receiver.
But there was a catch for Lucas, and it all centered around a two-year agreement he signed with the school that was tied to an upcoming revenue-sharing model that a judge has yet to approve, according to his attorney, Darren Hytner.
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Therefore, the school felt as if they had a financial agreement and would not enter his name into the transfer portal database.
If you are not familiar with how the portal works, the school is obligated to enter a player's name into the database once they have completed the appropriate paperwork necessary to enter. As we've seen over the past few years, the transfer portal has continued to be one of the most talked about topics in all of college athletics.
Just this year, the Rules Committee decided to shorten the period of time that the portal will be open, starting from December 9, until December 24.
Players participating in the postseason are given a five-day extension once their season ends, which has helped those still competing in the College Football Playoff.
Attorney Xavier Lucas speaks with OutKick's Trey Wallace
Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) is shown during the first quarter of their game against South Dakota Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
In the case of Xavier Lucas, he submitted his papers on time, but the school insisted that his name not be entered into the database, due to the revenue-sharing agreement the two parties signed before Lucas attempted to enter his name into the portal.
The contract agreement in the middle of this dispute was a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that gave the school all rights to that player's name, image and likeness, meaning that Wisconsin, or any other school, could use his name for those purposes and Lucas would be paid in return.
OutKick spoke with Darren Hytner, who represents Xavier Lucas in this matter, about the agreement.
“The memorandum of understanding is conditional on its approval house Heitner noted “the settlement (which has not yet received final approval) and Xavier's attendance for classes no later than spring 2025 (he has been de-enrolled from the institution). Furthermore, he sought to enter his name into the transfer portal, but the institution has denied his right to do so.” “This is a violation of NCAA rules. However, the Foundation did not pay him any money, and therefore he is not entitled to any compensation to the Foundation.”
Hytner also noted that Xavier's father Lucas is currently dealing with a health issue that led to the former Badger wanting to move closer to home.
In short, the school and Xavier Lucas agreed to a deal that is currently illegal, because House vs. NCAA There was no settlement Approved by judge.
This sets a new precedent for the transfer portal in college athletics
Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) is accompanied by a member of the coaching staff during the fourth quarter of their game against South Dakota Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA Today Network)
One of the main takeaways from this whole ordeal is that former Wisconsin receiver Xavier Lucas decided not to pass through the transfer portal on his way to Miami. After waiting for the school to enter his name into the database, Lucas pulled himself out of Wisconsin and is now enrolled at Miami.
Yes, there have been other schools that signed deals with players under the impression that a revenue-sharing agreement would be approved by a judge, but the issue of the player and program clashing over the legality of the contract is the first to be publicly reported. discussion.
Now, we can see a major shift in the way players decide to transfer, outside of the actual portal period dates. Currently, if a player wants to transfer, they will have to do so as a “graduate transfer.” But with Xavier Lucas deciding not to use the portal, and signing for another organization outside the window, this sets a new precedent for how potential players can leave.
“NCAA rules do not prohibit a student-athlete from unenrolling at one institution, enrolling at a new institution and competing immediately,” an NCAA spokesperson noted in a statement this evening.
When Xavier Lucas made a final attempt to discuss the matter with Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, he tried to convince Lucas to stay, Darren Hytner reported for Yahoo Sports.
This is clearly a huge development for players in all sports. As for whether Wisconsin will sue Xavier Lucas for his NIL rights while at Miami, attorney Darren Hytner told OutKick's Trey Wallace that would only tarnish the school's reputation.
“The most short-sighted step the state of Wisconsin would take is to file a lawsuit,” Hytner noted. “The establishment has no leg to stand on and this will only tarnish a reputation that has already been damaged enough by their misdeeds.”
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As for the next step in Xavier Lucas' college career, he will look to put that behind him and contribute to the Miami Hurricanes.
But it's an unorthodox way to get to Miami that could change the rules surrounding the transfer portal, or thus, not actually need a window associated with the window itself.
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