Wisconsin football CB Nyzier Fourqurean wins legal battle, regains eligibility
Nyzier Fourqurean's motion for a preliminary injunction has been granted, giving him another year of eligibility for the Wisconsin football team.
Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean is taking the Van Wilder route, sticking around for another year instead of leaving college behind.
That decision was made possible after Fourqurean won his legal battle for another year of eligibility, clearing the way for his return to the Wisconsin football program in 2025. It’s worth noting that the NCAA can appeal this decision, so Fourqurean’s return isn't yet guaranteed. However, their recent track record in court doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.
His case, which challenged the NCAA’s application of its "Five-Year Rule," centered on how his years at Grand Valley State were counted against his eligibility clock despite disruptions caused by the pandemic and personal hardship.
Fourqurean’s legal fight began after the NCAA denied his request for an additional season, citing bylaws that limit student-athletes to four seasons of collegiate competition within five calendar years.
He filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, arguing that the NCAA’s decision violated the Sherman Act and state laws. His attorneys pointed to precedents, including New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia, who successfully challenged the NCAA’s handling of JUCO eligibility—a ruling his Tawee Walker benefitted from this offseason.
The court ultimately ruled in Fourqurean’s favor, granting a preliminary injunction that allows him to play next season.
At the heart of the dispute was how the NCAA counted Fourqurean’s time at Grand Valley State. His freshman season in 2020 was wiped out due to COVID-19, and he played just 155 snaps in 2021, a number Wisconsin football successfully argued equated to only three full games.
His personal circumstances also played a role, as Fourqurean’s father passed away in 2021, causing mental health struggles that affected his performance and training regimen. The NCAA had granted season-of-competition waivers for Division II athletes affected by COVID-19, but it initially ruled against applying the same leniency to Fourqurean.
Wisconsin had filed for a waiver on his behalf in December 2024, citing the combination of his canceled 2020 season, limited playing time in 2021, and personal hardship. While there was some dispute over whether the waiver specifically referenced a hardship exemption, the court found that the “totality of circumstances” warranted relief.
The ruling emphasized that denying Fourqurean another season would result in “irreparable harm,” particularly in lost NIL opportunities. Court documents show he earned $5,000 in 2023 and $45,000 in NIL deals in 2024. If granted the chance to play in 2025, he anticipates earning "hundreds of thousands of dollars," though he has yet to sign a contract.
Since transferring from Grand Valley State, the former Division II All-American has established himself as a key piece in Wisconsin’s secondary, logging 1,105 total snaps during his two years with the program, including 569 in coverage. In 2024, Fourqurean recorded 51 tackles (37 solo), five pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble—while leading Paul Haynes' position group in snaps (652).
Fourqurean's 71.3 overall PFF grade placed him in the 80th percentile nationally in coverage grade with no pressure, while his 70.8 coverage grade showed his ability to handle one-on-one assignments on the outside. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, his willingness as a tackler in the open field stood out, providing a physical presence opposite Ricardo Hallman.
“I want to start by thanking everyone who has offered me their support. The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind to say the least. I am extremely grateful for Judge Conley’s decision to grant my injunction and provide me with a path to continue my college playing career at UW,” Fourqurean wrote. “As many know, the deadline for me to make my decision regarding remaining in the draft is today. While you would think the injunction would make that an easy decision, the path was not as clear as I had hoped.
“Rather than allowing me to play, the NCAA filed an appeal and refused to grant a waiver to me as was done for others like me. It is clear the NCAA is not done fighting my ability to play. The decision to appeal by the NCAA left me in a tough spot because opting out of the draft is not something that can wait while the appeal process continues. While I wish I had more certainty, I have decided to put my faith in the legal process and in Judge Conley’s decision and have pulled out of the draft so that I can continue my playing career at UW.
“I am excited for what this year will bring and hopeful that I will be able to be out there with my teammates, representing my school for the duration of the year.”
With the decision, Fourqurean is expected to rejoin a Wisconsin secondary that includes Hallman, transfers D’Yoni Hill and Geimere Latimer, and returning players Omillio Agard and Jay Harper. The group will also be bolstered by an incoming recruiting class featuring Jaimier Scott, Cairo Skanes, and Jahmare Washington, providing additional depth to the room.
His return gives the Badgers an experienced defensive backfield and significantly strengthens their room's outlook heading into the 2025 season. What once appeared to be a potential weakness for Wisconsin this offseason on paper has completely flipped, as the secondary now retains both of its 2024 starters, Hallman and Fourqurean.
While losing Xavier Lucas to Miami is obviously a black eye—and a talking point that’s far from settled, the pieces added from the transfer portal and some internal development will help offset his departure.
More importantly, Fourqurean's case sets a legal precedent that could impact future NCAA eligibility rulings for Division II transfers navigating similar circumstances. At this point, it's fair to wonder what, if any, power the NCAA has anymore—which begs the question, how much longer will it be before a separate governing body takes over this mess?
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Encouraging to see a player with the desire to remain with his team rather than boogie on down the road elsewhere. Glad he's returning! The portal has wreaked havoc with team stability everywhere.
Glad to have him back. But ... college football continues on a strange path. Would love to have a five-year crystal ball to see where this all leads.