The Atlantic Coast Conference's Miami Hurricanes and the Big 10's Wisconsin Badgers are in a bit of a dilemma. A massive loophole has been found regarding the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness.

On Friday, cornerback Xavier Lucas announced he would transfer from Wisconsin to Miami —a move that has taken just 24 hours to shake up the world of college football.

Wisconsin Badgers defensive back Xavier Lucas made the unprecedented decision to join the Miami Hurricanes football program without going through the transfer portal

Wisconsin football is attempting to prevent Xavier Lucas from landing at Miami. Details emerge on a tampering accusation.

News of his move came on Friday. Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger was the first to report that Lucas was leaving for Miami without officially entering the transfer portal. Wisconsin had held the standout freshman cornerback out of the portal after he “signed a two-year revenue-share agreement” in early December, per Dellenger.

The University of Wisconsin announced Saturday that intends to pursue legal action after former safety Xavier Lucas skirted NCAA rules in order to

It is a precedent-setting battle. For years college programs have complained vaguely about the transfer portal, but few have called out specific institutions for tampering.

Those words were chosen carefully. According to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, Lucas is not transferring to the Hurricanes, as Wisconsin never officially released him to the portal. He is instead leaving the school for Miami, fully intending to play in 2025. It is an unprecedented move.

Former Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas shared a first look at him in a Miami Hurricanes uniform on Tuesday night. “Feels good to be home,” Lucas wrote on X. It is his first public comment since reportedly bypassing the transfer portal to leave Wisconsin for Miami earlier this month.

Wisconsin does enter 2025 with new faces in important positions. Jeff Grimes takes over as offensive coordinator after Phil Longo’s firing. He’ll enter the year with former Maryland starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. under center and a host of promising transfer pass-catchers.

Wisconsin starting left tackle Jack Nelson officially declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Sunday. Nelson completed his final year of eligibility with the Badgers in 2024. He is also one of two Wisconsin products set to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in February.