Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean was granted at least an extra year of eligibility after being granted a preliminary injunction related to his lawsuit against the NCAA.
In late January, Fourqurean sued the NCAA, arguing that his two years at Grand Valley State, a Division II school, should not count against his NCAA eligibility. In the lawsuit, Fourqurean argued he was denied the opportunity to profit from NIL by not allowing him to have more eligibility for his time at Grand Valley State.
Fourqurean is seeking two additional years of eligibility in the lawsuit but is only guaranteed one more with the injunction put in place. This was granted because of the Feb. 7 deadline to declare for the upcoming NFL draft, and the lawsuit would not be settled by then.
With NIL shaking up college football, conference changes and players’ rights, Fourqurean’s lawsuit could have a massive impact on the future of the sport, even though it does not mean other former Division II transfers will earn extra eligibility.
Fourqurean’s case is unique. He argued that his mental health was significantly affected by the death of his father, which limited his playing abilities at Grand Valley State. But it could still set a precedent for future athletes who might experience similar situations to Fourqurean.
Vanderbilt starting quarterback Diego Pavia filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in December, saying his two years at the New Mexico Military Institute should not count toward his total because it, like Fourqurean, unfairly limited his ability to profit off of NIL. Pavia was also granted an injunction because of his case, allowing him to play for the Commodores next season.
But Pavia also argued that seasons spent at a junior college should not count toward NCAA eligibility because players have no opportunity to make any money off of NIL or media exposure. Unlike Division II, the junior college football system is not governed by the NCAA, so Pavia’s case is slightly different than Fourqurean’s.
In his two years with the Badgers, Fourqurean has played a key role in the secondary, becoming a full-time starter in the 2024 season. He recorded an interception against No. 1 Oregon, recovered a fumble in the matchup against No. 3 Penn State last year and made 51 tackles on the season.
With the controversial departure of freshman cornerback Xavier Lucas, Fourqurean looks to retain his starting position next to fifth-year senior Ricardo Hallman. After the Badgers’ cornerback room had a mass exodus after the conclusion of last season, Fourqurean’s unexpected presence on next year’s team will be greatly appreciated.
