By Mark Pszonak
After a rough 2024 season the hope around Madison was that 2025 would be better for the Wisconsin football program. However, a week into the year, everything is already murky as their star defensive back has decided to retain an attorney in hopes of finally being allowed to enter the transfer portal.
This morning, Xavier Lucas retained @HEITNERLEGAL. I have contacted the NCAA demanding that it enforce its rules which require Mr. Lucas' name to be entered into the transfer database. If Wisconsin doesn't budge, then we will escalate this matter to litigation. https://t.co/nykzo1lt0I
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) January 7, 2025
This ongoing saga between Xavier Lucas and Wisconsin has now been going on for weeks. Lucas announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal in mid-December, which was a blow for the Badgers since he would be a starter in 2025. However, according to Lucas, Wisconsin has blocked his request despite him submitting all of the necessary requirements to enter the portal.
So now everything has become even messier with the hiring of Darren Heitner. With the transfer portal closing to most players on December 28th, Lucas’ options were limited so he did what he thought was necessary. And how can you blame him? He has watched thousands of players easily enter the portal during the last month yet he has been blocked.
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Wisconsin believes that they are doing what they need to do because Lucas has been tampered with. The belief is that Miami is the main culprit here, but it is likely that every major Florida program has been in touch with the Florida native over the last month.
While the Badgers think they’re doing the right thing, this is a battle they can’t win. I already wrote about this recently (read here) but now it is even more confusing as what Wisconsin’s end game really is. Is this all to just prove a point? Because there is no possible scenario in the world that has Lucas returning to play in Madison next season. It is more likely that he sits out the entire 2025 season than he of every playing for Wisconsin again.
And this is publicity that the program and head coach Luke Fickell don’t need right now. Coach Fickell is on the hot seat and should be focusing on other things. This is a distraction that isn’t necessary and should be avoided.
Chances are that Lucas taking the step of hiring an attorney will force Wisconsin to give up this pointless battle. However, I also thought that this would’ve already been resolved so who knows where this saga will lead to next.
