Wisconsin's Nyzier Fourqurean was just delivered a devastating blow that will now end his college career. Fourqurean was in a battle with the NCAA over eligibility and, until today, had planned to play this season. His argument was that if JUCO seasons don't count against eligibility, then neither should DII seasons. The case went all the way to the United States Court of Appeals, and Fourqurean lost, as announced today.
The NCAA has won an appeal in the eligibility case brought by Wisconsin DB Nyzier Fourqurean, who argued that his DII seasons do not count against his DI eligibility.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 16, 2025
The appeal - a 2-1 decision -overturns an injunction that would have permitted Fourqurean to play this fall. pic.twitter.com/feBGdfM0QN
Nyzier Fourqurean loses eligibility battle, leaving a major hole in the Badgers' secondary
Wisconsin seemed fairly confident that Fourqurean would win this case and be able to play this season, but the confidence was unfounded. The NCAA has been on a bit of a hot streak with the eligibility cases, winning 20 of 23 cases. The hope from Wisconsin came from the fact that this one was initially in Fourqurean's favor. It was one of those three cases that didn't work in the NCAA's favor, but when it went to the appeals court, the NCAA came out on top.
This leaves a big hole in the secondary for the Badgers, as he was primed to be their starting defensive back opposite Ricardo Hallman. He was going to be out there for all the defensive snaps, covering some of the best wide receivers the Big Ten has to offer. Now, a room that was one of the biggest strengths of the Badgers team will become much less of a strength.
The next man up mentality will take shape immediately, as some of the younger players will look to fill that role. It's a frustrating development right before the start of the season for the Badgers.
It's an even more frustrating outcome for a player who wanted to give it one more go-around and was fully preparing for that to happen this season. Now, Fourqurean will have to hang up his Wisconsin cleats before he or the team is ready for him to do so.