Xavier Lucas tampering lawsuit: Big Ten calls out Miami for 'undermining A4,' offers Wisconsin full support

The Big Ten is coming after Miami in light of Wisconsin accusing the Hurricanes of tampering in regard to defensive back Xavier Lucas. Lucas was a true freshman for the Badgers this past season before declaring his intentions to enter the transfer portal.

However, Wisconsin refused to enter his name in the portal as it claimed that it had “credible information” that Miami had tampered with Lucas. The defensive back later withdrew from his classes at Wisconsin and enrolled at Miami despite never officially entering the portal.

Wisconsin threatened on Saturday that it would pursue legal action as a result of Lucas transferring to the Hurricanes. The Big Ten released a statement on the matter backing the Badgers.

“The Big Ten Conference stands in full support of the University of Wisconsin regarding the contractual agreement between student-athlete Xavier Lucas and the Wisconsin football program,” the statement read. “As student-athletes became active participants in revenue sharing, it is critical that agreed-to obligations be respected, honored, and enforced. In light of current laws and association rules, information suggesting tampering and contract interference in this case by the University of Miami is very troubling.

“These actions undermine the efforts of its own conference as the ACC continues its collaboration with the other A4 conferences in developing a sustainable framework for college sports. This situation is just the latest example of the critical need for substantive governance reform.”

Yahoo! Sports reporter Ross Dellenger revealed that Lucas had previously signed a revenue sharing agreement with Wisconsin pending approval of the landmark House v. NCAA settlement. The school stated that the agreement guaranteed Lucas “substantial financial compensation” and that the request to enter the transfer portal was “inconsistent” with that agreement.

Furthermore, the Badgers also claimed that they had evidence that Lucas had been in contact with Miami prior to his request to transfer. This is prohibited according the NCAA rules.

“On December 2, 2024, Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics entered into a binding two-year NIL agreement reflecting his strong commitment to continuing with the Wisconsin football program,” the statement read, in part. “We understand that he also executed a separate agreement with the Varsity Collective. His agreement with Wisconsin Athletics included substantial financial compensation for Xavier. Under the terms of the agreement between Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics, it remains in effect and enforceable.

“Badger student-athletes who have signed these agreements expect Wisconsin Athletics to honor the terms. In turn, Wisconsin Athletics relies on the student-athlete representations in signing these agreements that they will do the same. A request to enter the transfer portal after entering into such an agreement is inconsistent with the representations and mutual understanding of the agreement and explains the reason for not processing a transfer portal request under these circumstances.

Lucas totaled 18 tackles as a freshman at Wisconsin this past season while adding two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. He was a four-star recruit out of American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, so the transfer brings him back to his home state.

Despite the push from Wisconsin, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out. The NCAA released a statement after he withdrew from his classes at UW and enrolled at Miami that there was nothing prohibiting the move.

“NCAA rules do not prevent a student-athlete from unenrolling from an institution, enrolling at a new institution and competing immediately,” the statement read.