After announcing his intentions to enter the transfer portal earlier this month, Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas has not been able to join yet. The freshman released a statement on social media on Friday explaining that Wisconsin has not yet granted his request to enter the portal.
It's an unusual situation for sure, and one that will deserve monitoring. Based on Lucas' statement, he clearly thinks that Wisconsin is hurting his chances at landing with a new program. Regardless of the outcome, it seems his days at Wisconsin are finished after calling out the staff in his post.
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 (@XavierL_25) December 27, 2024
Xavier Lucas Situation Turns Ugly
Lucas was a star freshman for the Badgers, finishing the season with 18 tackles, a sack and an interception. He was set to take on a starting role in 2025 before his announcement to transfer. Since then, drama and rumors have swirled as the situation has become a battle between the university and the cornerback.
There may not be a resolution for some time as it appears that there is still a lot of work to be done in determining the cause for transfer holdup. The Badger defensive backs room has been decimated by the portal, and it's safe to say Lucas won't be back now.
Soon enough, we'll find out what happened here, but this surely is a bit concerning for Luke Fickell and his coaching staff. Shortly after Lucas announced he intended to transfer, the Wisconsin head coach didn't hold back in calling out coaches from other programs for recruiting his players.
Fickell has not been happy with tampering that's been going on this offseason. Wisconsin has added plenty of talent via transfers, but Fickell and his assistants have only been contacting guys once they've hit the portal. The same kind of respect has not been reciprocated.