After a challenging 2024 season, there was optimism in Madison that 2025 would bring improvements for the Wisconsin football program. Yet, just a week into the new year, the situation has become complicated as star defensive back Xavier Lucas has chosen to hire an attorney in hopes of gaining access to the transfer portal.
The situation involving Lucas and Wisconsin has been ongoing for several weeks. He declared his intent to transfer in mid-December, which was a significant loss for the Badgers, as he was expected to be a starter in 2025. Despite meeting all requirements to enter the portal, Lucas claims Wisconsin has blocked his request.
This situation has escalated further with Lucas’s decision to engage attorney Darren Heitner. With the transfer portal deadline approaching on December 28th, Lucas felt compelled to take this step, especially since he has observed numerous other players successfully entering the portal while he has faced obstacles.
Wisconsin maintains that it is acting appropriately, citing concerns about tampering, particularly with Miami suspected of being involved. However, it’s likely that many major Florida programs have been in contact with Lucas in recent weeks.
Although the Badgers believe they are justified in their actions, this is a conflict they are unlikely to win. I’ve previously discussed the implications of this issue (see here), and it has only become more perplexing. It’s unclear what Wisconsin hopes to achieve. Are they merely trying to make a point? It seems virtually impossible that Lucas will return to play in Madison next season; it’s more probable he will sit out the entire 2025 season instead.
This situation is unfavorable for both the program and head coach Luke Fickell, who is under pressure and should be concentrating on other priorities. This unnecessary distraction needs to be resolved.
Hiring an attorney may compel Wisconsin to reconsider its position in this futile dispute. However, I previously believed this matter would have been settled by now, leaving uncertainty about the next chapter in this saga.
