FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes expressed interest in Xavier Lucas while he excelled as a cornerback at American Heritage, but Lucas decided on Wisconsin instead. Following a year with the Badgers, Lucas sought to enter the transfer portal due to his father’s “serious, life-threatening” illness, as stated by his lawyer, Darren Heitner, to Yahoo Sports. Miami, the team from his hometown, was the clear choice. However, Wisconsin failed to submit Lucas’ name to the portal within the required 48 hours, as dictated by NCAA regulations, resulting in an extended impasse between Lucas and the university.
Currently, Wisconsin is declining to let me enter the transfer portal,” Lucas posted on social media on Dec. 27, eight days after revealing his intention to transfer. “I’ve fulfilled all NCAA transfer portal requirements by Wisconsin, which is hindering my ability to communicate with schools.” On Friday, Lucas pledged himself to the Hurricanes, Heitner informed Yahoo Sports. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Lucas has entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with Wisconsin; however, the anticipated revenue-sharing agreements—part of a lawsuit resolution that allowed schools to compensate athletes directly—will not take effect until July 1 if the settlement gains approval in April.
The contract Lucas entered into is meant to tie him to Wisconsin for two years and grants the school exclusive rights to his name, image, and likeness; it also prevents other schools from utilizing them, as reported by Yahoo. As per Yahoo, Lucas’ contract depends on the approval of the settlement. Lucas has officially withdrawn from Wisconsin and enrolled academically at Miami for the Fall 2025 semester, and he is anticipated to reclassify for the spring, as reported by Yahoo. The NCAA informed Yahoo: “NCAA regulations do not stop a student-athlete from leaving one school, joining a new one, and competing right away.”
Lucas was a standout at American Heritage. He was chosen as an All-County selection by the Sun Sentinel and recorded 46 tackles along with four interceptions during his senior year. He was a prospect rated four stars. During his initial year of college football, he achieved impressive statistics. Lucas recorded 12 tackles along