On November 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule and Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell engaged in conversation before their game. The changes made by the NCAA to the transfer portal have led college football to an alarming state. While players are transferring frequently, the real concern lies in the rampant tampering encouraged by the portal and NIL deals, with coaching staffs pursuing players even if they haven’t declared their intention to transfer. This situation has frustrated Luke Fickell, the head coach of Wisconsin.
Recently, Fickell criticized other coaches for recruiting his players, coinciding with standout cornerback Xavier Lucas’s unexpected announcement of his departure from Wisconsin. Fickell’s frustration is warranted, as he expressed on 97.3 The Game, highlighting that every player is currently being targeted, not just those in the transfer portal, which complicates coaching plans significantly.
Fickell specifically seemed upset about Lucas’s situation, especially given a report indicating that Wisconsin hadn’t submitted his transfer paperwork. Following Lucas’s announcement about not playing for Wisconsin in 2025, several recruiting experts speculated he would transfer to Miami. Although there’s no implication of illegal recruiting, questions arise regarding what influenced Lucas’s decision to leave so suddenly. There appears to be more happening behind the scenes, and clarity is needed soon, particularly since Wisconsin has already secured 14 commitments from transfers this season.
Fickell has adhered to proper protocols by waiting for players to enter the portal before he engages, hoping other coaches will do the same and treat players with respect. Unfortunately, that level of respect seems to be lacking in today’s college sports landscape.
