The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season.

Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.

Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.

The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.

“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.

Wisconsin said in January that it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.

Wisconsin and VC Connect allege that the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and that they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”

A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said that Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.

Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.

Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.

Heitner said that Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued that Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.

Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.

In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.

Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4 million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.

Deion Sanders’ eldest son has shared an encouraging video of the Hall of Famer as the Colorado head coach continues to recover from an undisclosed health issue

Deion Sanders’ eldest son, Deion Jr., has served up some reassuring news regarding the renowned Colorado head coach’s health woes, releasing a video of the Pro Football Hall of Famer enjoying some fishing.

There’s been a bit of worry circulating about Sanders’ condition these past few weeks. The 57-year-old NFL legend took a hiatus from Boulder and jetted back to his Texas property, missing out on the yearly youth camps he’s known for leading.

The details of the illness remain under wraps, as neither Sanders nor Colorado has spilled any specifics. But come Sunday, Junior dropped a clip from their angling jaunt that featured ‘Coach Prime’ at the helm of a vessel in the Lone Star State.

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The footage also includes former Colorado star and Heisman Trophy victor Travis Hunter, who the Jacksonville Jaguars snagged as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Deion Jr. says in the footage. “Coach Prime back active, moving around. God is great. Not back active moving around, but it’s progress.”

Looking ahead, Sanders Sr. plans to show his face on July 9 at a Big 12 media day. Colorado gets its season rolling by hosting Georgia Tech at Folsom Field come August 29.

It was June 11 when Sanders Sr. last spoke publicly about his health status. “I can assure you all that everything is OK and will continue to be so,” he wrote on social media.

“I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team and all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.”

The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers legend, who also played in Major League Baseball, has grappled with some serious health setbacks.

Following repeated complications from blood clots, he underwent procedures that resulted in the loss of two toes back in 2021.

Taking charge of the Buffaloes, Sanders turned a struggling one-win team into contenders over two successful seasons. The Colorado squad showcased some serious style, finishing with a strong 9-4 record in 2024 and just shy of making it to the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff.

With the dawn of the 2025 season bringing a wave of change, Sanders will see his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, along with Hunter, taking their game to the NFL pros. Alongside them, several starting players have also exited the roster.

Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will step into Shedeur’s quarterback role at Colorado, with five-star hotshot Julian ‘Ju Ju’ Lewis as a promising backup.

Heading into the new season, the Buffaloes boast bragging rights with the No. 24 recruiting class and the No. 19 transfer class. High-profile additions like Chauncey Gooden, Carde Smith, and London Merritt are set to wear Colorado’s colors.

We had the privilege of speaking with Liberty Athletic Director Ian McCaw at length about the state of the Liberty Athletic program. We delved into a vast array of topics, focusing on the athletic program’s second year in Conference USA and the numerous changes within the college athletic landscape. We also touched on several topics surrounding Liberty football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and other programs on the Mountain.

This will be a multi-part series we release this week. Monday’s feature focused on a recap of the 2024-25 athletic year for the Flames, goals for the athletic department, and the House Settlement, so be sure to check that out if you missed it. Today, we turn our attention to several sports around campus including football, softball, and baseball.

ASOR: There’s been a lot of discussion about changing the format of the College Football Playoff in the coming years, wh ere do you see that landing and what does Liberty need to do to be in that conversation as a potential CFP team in the coming years?

Ian McCaw: “It’s really essential that the Group of Six continue to have access. I really like the 5+11 model. It seems like that is getting a fair amount of traction right now, and that would ensure that the top Group of Five champion, the highest rated Group of Five champion, would have access. That’s really the most important part for us. Then, if we have a season like we did in 2023, it really positions us to be in the College Football Playoff and obviously that is a tremendous accomplishment for any Group of Six program.”

ASOR: The football team was unable to replicate the success from 2023 in 2024, what have you seen from Coach Chadwell and his team that gives you confidence they can get back to the top of the league this fall?

Ian McCaw: “I really like the character and the culture and really the makeup of the 2025 Flames. I’ve had a chance to get out and see some of their workouts, and they seem to be a very humble and hungry group. I think that’s a formula for success. I think they’ll be highly motivated to get back to the 2023 level.”

ASOR: What do you think of the job Coach Chadwell and his staff have done as they continue to navigate the transfer portal?

Ian McCaw: “I think they’ve done a really good job of finding players that fit the culture and also fit the needs of the team. What I’ve been most impressed with, from what I’ve seen thus far, is I think they’ve built a tremendous amount of depth, and that’s very rare at the Group of Five level and in Conference USA. Think that’s going to be a secret sauce for us is that we’re going to be probably the deepest team in Conference USA, and that really pays dividends over the course of the year because injuries occur and things happen. I think we’ve got really quality depth.”

ASOR: Coach Richardson and the softball team made history by taking down #1 Texas A&M and advancing to the Super Regionals, how much exposure did that bring to the program and the athletic department?

Ian McCaw: “Softball has done a great job of marketing itself, and they get great exposure on ESPN. As a result, playing in the final in the A&M regional was the highest rated regional game. And then the Oregon Super Regional I think was the third highest Super Regional from a rating standpoint. So, just great national exposure for the softball program, the department, the entire University. And again, that’s one of the things that successful athletics does, is it really extends the reach of the University and builds the brand and gets our mission out there. Those are all things that that add value to the institution.”

ASOR: Do you think that program has all the resources needed to continue building and potentially reaching the WCWS?

Ian McCaw: “Liberty softball is resourced to compete at the national level. Coach Dot does a great job of scheduling, which allows us to be nationally ranked like we were this year by playing such a competitive schedule, especially early in the season. So we’re really fortunate. If Stanford could have held on to the lead in the final game against Oregon, we would have been hosting a Super Regional right here on campus, which would have been absolutely incredible. But again, great season by them, but they certainly have become a nationally known program, and expect that to continue.”

ASOR: How do you think Coach LeCroy navigated his first season at Liberty and what needs to happen for that program to get back to competing for conference championships and regionals?

Ian McCaw: “I was really impressed with the job that Coach LeCroy did. He arrived late in the summer. I think we only had 13 players on the roster at that point and having to really rebuild. Ultimately, I think he brought in 26 new players. So it was two-thirds of the team was new. His ability to really get them to gel and build a strong culture, and the players absolutely love playing for him. So, I was really encouraged by all those things. I think the future of Liberty baseball is very bright under his leadership.”

Bryce Underwood: The Catalyst of Michigan’s Recruiting Renaissance

Bryce Underwood is not merely a highly sought-after quarterback; he stands as a symbol of a transformative era in Michigan football recruiting. As the former No. 1 overall recruit, Underwood has quickly become synonymous with the Wolverines’ ambitious resurgence, particularly following the announcement of his groundbreaking $12 million NIL deal. This monumental agreement has not only solidified his status within the program but has also amplified the expectations surrounding him and the team.

A New Era of Expectations

With such a significant financial commitment, Underwood’s role extends far beyond that of a typical recruit. He is now tasked with embodying the aspirations of a program eager to reclaim its place among college football’s elite. The spotlight shines brightly on him, and the weight of expectations is palpable. His journey is not just about personal achievement; it is about leading a new generation of talent to Michigan and fostering a culture of excellence.

The Ripple Effect of Success

Underwood’s impact on Michigan’s recruiting landscape is already evident. His presence has created a wave of enthusiasm, drawing attention to the program from prospective players and fans alike. The excitement surrounding his commitment has sparked a renewed interest in Michigan football, positioning the Wolverines as a formidable contender in the ever-competitive college football realm. His influence is felt beyond the field; it resonates in the hearts of fans and potential recruits who see in him a beacon of hope and possibility.

A Leader in the Making

As Underwood embraces his responsibilities, he is also learning the nuances of leadership. The pressure to perform at a high level is immense, yet he appears undeterred. His recent reactions to the rising buzz around fellow recruits, including the impressive performances of Cass Tech’s tight end, highlight his commitment to building a cohesive team. Underwood’s ability to connect with his peers and inspire them reflects his maturity and vision as a future leader on the field.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Michigan Football

The implications of Underwood’s journey extend beyond individual accolades. His presence signals a broader shift in Michigan’s recruiting strategy, emphasizing not only talent acquisition but also the cultivation of a strong team dynamic. As the Wolverines look toward the future, Underwood will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s identity and success.

In conclusion, Bryce Underwood is more than just a highly touted recruit; he is a pivotal figure in a recruiting revolution that could redefine Michigan football for years to come. His journey is a testament to the power of ambition and the potential that lies within a single athlete to inspire change and drive a program forward. As the excitement builds, one thing is clear: the future of Michigan football is bright, and Bryce Underwood is at the helm.