Wisconsin Cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean Ends Eligibility Lawsuit Bid

Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean has officially withdrawn his lawsuit against the NCAA, concluding his pursuit for an extra year of eligibility. Fourqurean made the announcement on social media, expressing disappointment over the lengthy legal process that kept his coaches and teammates in limbo.

“I could no longer keep my coaches and teammates waiting for a decision from the judge,” he stated in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Very disappointing.”

The legal battle began when Fourqurean argued that his initial two years at Grand Valley State, a Division II program, should not count against his eligibility. In February, U.S. District Judge William Conley granted him a preliminary injunction, allowing him to play for Wisconsin during the ongoing case. However, this ruling was overturned by a federal appeals court in July, complicating his situation further.

The case was slated to go to trial last month, but the trial date has been postponed to 2026. Fourqurean sought an injunction to enable him to participate in games while awaiting a resolution, but no ruling has been made on that request. He indicated in his post that during a hearing call, he was informed a ruling would be expected in late September, coinciding with Wisconsin’s bye week.

“My coaches, teammates and I waited and waited, and still nothing from the judge since,” Fourqurean noted.

This announcement comes just before Wisconsin’s game against Illinois, with the Badgers currently holding a record of 3-7 and 1-6 in the Big Ten Conference. Wisconsin’s final game of the season is scheduled for November 29 against Minnesota.

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell has previously criticized the delays in the legal proceedings, describing the lack of a ruling as “unacceptable.” He expressed his sympathy for Fourqurean’s situation, stating, “To see what has happened to Nyzier is a shame.”

Fourqurean’s journey in college football began in 2020 at Grand Valley State, where the pandemic disrupted the season. He played two seasons there, transferring to Wisconsin in 2023. During his tenure at Wisconsin, he played all 12 games last season, recording 51 tackles and one interception. He also started five of the last six games in the 2023 season.

In his social media post, Fourqurean expressed gratitude towards Coach Fickell and the Wisconsin program for their support. “I have been able to practice and be around the team as normal and have improved tremendously over the year,” he wrote. “With huge goals for myself and this team, I am super disappointed to not be able to make a positive impact for our team on the field. I look forward to my pro day and an opportunity with an NFL team.”

As the football season progresses, the impact of Fourqurean’s departure from legal proceedings will be felt by both him and the Wisconsin team as they navigate the final games of the season.