Wisconsin Cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean Ruled Ineligible For 2025 Season
MADISON, Wis. — It appears Wisconsin will have to go forward without one of its best players this season. The NCAA has won an appeal against senior cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean, which overturns a preliminary injunction that Fourqurean received in February for a fifth season of eligibility.
Fourqurean, who began his career at Grand Valley State, played two seasons at the Division 2 level before transferring to the Badgers ahead of the 2023 season. Fourqurean sued the NCAA in January, citing that his five-year eligibility window shouldn’t include the two seasons he spent at GVSU. A judge granted the injunction on Feb. 6 and Fourqurean returned to UW, participating in spring practice. Fourqurean argued that his time at GVSU limited his ability to earn money from name, image, and likeness, similar to the case won by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who spent two seasons at the junior college level, but unlike Fourqurean, was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA and will play in the fall.
As a senior, Fourqurean enjoyed a breakout season, registering 51.0 tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception. In two seasons with the Badgers, Fourqurean tallied 90.0 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 2.0 sacks, eight pass breakups, and the pick. A former Division 2 first-team All-American, Fourqurean played 24 games for GVSU.
During spring practice, UW head coach Luke Fickell would not even entertain the thought of not having Fourqurean this season.
“He’s playing,” Fickell said bluntly when asked about Fourqurean’s upcoming May hearing. “I don’t know why there would be any tough situation.”
A reporter then pressed Fickell about Fourqurean potentially being ruled ineligible.
“No…he’s not gonna be. So, I don’t know why it would cause him any limbo,” was Fickell’s response.
Fourqurean is the second key cornerback the Badgers have lost this season, joining Xavier Lucas, who transferred to Miami (FL). UW does return senior cornerback and three-year starter Ricardo Hallman, but Miami (FL) transfer D’Yoni Hill, likely steps into a starting role. Junior Geimere Latimer Jr. , currently at nickel, could also move to the perimeter. However, beyond those three, UW does not have a cornerback with in-game experience on the roster.
Fourqurean could still proceed with his case in district court. The Badgers open up the 2025 season against Miami (OH) on Aug. 28.
