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Wisconsin defensive back Xavier Lucas made his transfer intentions clear earlier this month following his freshman season in Madison. He’s since hit speed bumps in that process.
Lucas accused the school of blocking his transfer out of the program. It comes following allegations of tampering from the Badgers‘ head football coach.
The first-year cornerback announced his plan to enter the portal on December 19th. He played 11 games as a rookie, racking up 18 tackles and an interception.
Thank you, Wisconsin, for everything! I’m officially in the transfer portal.
-Xavier Lucas / X: @XavierL_25
Lucas signed with Wisconsin over offers from the likes of Alabama, Michigan, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. The Badgers were able to hold off a late push from instate schools Miami and Florida State to land their four-star prospect.
Now, he’ll be looking for a new home. Maybe!
On Friday, a little over a week after that initial decision was made public, Lucas vented on social media about his frustrating situation. He says that Wisconsin is refusing to let him leave.
I still intend to transfer, but at the moment Wisconsin is refusing to release me into the transfer portal. 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.
-Xavier Lucas / X: @XavierL_25
The specifics of that block aren’t clear. Many were skeptical, however, of behind-the-scenes movement leading up to Xavier Lucas’s decision.
Luke Fickell hinted at tampering when speaking on the transfer portal following Lucas’s announcement.
“I would tell you that, and this is the truth. I think every kid is being recruited right now. The issue is not just the kids in the transfer portal, and that’s probably the most alarming thing of all—it’s making it almost impossible to know where you’re headed because there’s an open line to everybody.”
-Luke Fickell via 97.3 The Game
Tampering continues to be an issue in the new age of NIL and the transfer portal. Xavier Lucas says the Badgers are combatting it by refusing to let him leave. The freshman clearly wants out. We’ll see if his wishes are granted in the near future.