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 wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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Wisconsin stated 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.

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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.

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Addison Halpern, a forward at Rutgers Preparatory School, is the 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year for girls’ soccer. The Selection Committee based its judgment on three pillars: athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.

During her senior year, Halpern scored 44 goals and made 14 assists, leading them to a perfect 23-0 record. What’s fascinating about her haul is that she missed the first six games of the season because he competed for Team USA in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, included in Rutgers Prep’s undefeated run is a 3-0 triumph over DePaul High to capture the New Jersey Non-Public B state championship. She finished her high school girls’ soccer career with 180 goals and 68 assists, numbers that helped her become the 2024 United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year.

In addition to dominating on the pitch, this National Gatorade Player of the Year winner maintained a 3.86 GPA. Beyond soccer and the classroom, this University of Virginia commit also volunteered as a youth soccer coach, an elementary school tutor, a church servant, and a Rise Against Hunger advocate.

Halpern is among the 51 Gatorade Player of the Year winners for girls’ soccer from each state and the District of Columbia. Likewise, she will receive a $1,000 grant and has a chance to give a $10,000 spotlight grant if the committee selects her organization to receive the financial assistance.

List of Gatorade Player of the Year state winners for girls’ soccer 2025

Alabama – Taylor Leib (Midfielder, Briarwood Christian School)

Alaska – Lexi Luff (Forward, South Anchorage High School)

Arizona – Whitney Reinhardt (Midfielder, Notre Dame Preparatory High School)

Arkansas – Sydney Hopper (Midfielder, Bentonville High School)

California – Daya King (Midfielder, Vista De Lago High School)

Colorado – Teagan Myers (Defender, Fossil Ridge High School)

Connecticut – Alexa Pino (Forward, St. Joseph High School)

Delaware – Lily Phillips (Midfielder, Saint Mark’s High School)

District of Columbia – Kailyn Effah (Midfielder, St. John’s College High School)

Florida – Giovanna Waksman (Midfielder/Forward, The Pine School)

Georgia – Bristol Kersh (Defender/Forward, Cherokee Bluff High School)

Hawaii – Xeayna Salanoa (Goalkeeper, Punahou High School)

Idaho – Campbell Wilson (Forward, Rocky Mountain High School)

Illinois – Callie Tumilty (Forward, Naperville Central High School)

Indiana – Meredith Tippner (Forward, Noblesville High School)

Iowa – Abi Roberts (Forward, Linn-Mar High School)

Kansas – Anisten Cabantac (Midfielder, St. Thomas Aquinas High School)

Kentucky – Caitlyn Chase (Forward/Midfielder, Sacred Heart Academy)

Louisiana – Ella Kate Johnston (Forward, Parkview Baptist School)

Maine – Ashley Connolly (Midfielder/Defender, Gorham High School)

Maryland – Sascha Beasley (Defender, Walt Whitman High School)

Massachusetts – Maddie Recupero (Midfielder, Hopkinton High School)

Michigan – Ava Lutke (Forward, Unity Christian High School)

Minnesota – Tenley Senden (Forward, Wayzata High School)

Mississippi – Addie Siders (Defender/Midfielder, Sumrall High School)

Missouri – Maddie DiMaria (Forward/Midfielder, Cor Jesu Academy)

Montana – Maya Bossenbrook (Forward, Bozeman High School)

Nebraska – Sonora DeFini (Forward, Gretna East High School)

Nevada – Olivia Stark (Forward, Faith Lutheran High School)

New Hampshire – Lauren Christy (Midfielder, Brewster Academy)

New Jersey – Addison Halpern (Forward, Rutgers Preparatory School)

New Mexico – Mia Barela (Forward/Midfielder, Las Cruces High School)

New York – Kennedy Ring (Midfielder, Columbia High School)

North Carolina – Sadie Peterson (Forward, Pine Lake Preparatory)

North Dakota – Sarah Helderop (Midfielder, Mandan High School)

Ohio – Tessa Knapp (Forward, Bay High School)

Oklahoma – Rylee McLanahan (Midfielder, Edmond North High School)

Oregon – Sophia Stiles (Defender, Jesuit High School)

Pennsylvania – Kylie Maxwell (Forward, Neshaminy High School)

Rhode Island – Emma Kucal (Forward, Cumberland High School)

South Carolina – Payton Nutzman (Forward/Midfielder, Eastside High School)

South Dakota – Addie Budig (Midfielder/Defender, Harrisburg High School)

Tennessee – Ellett Smith (Midfielder, Houston High School)

Texas – Audrey Bryant (Forward/Midfielder, Ursuline Academy)

Utah – Hope Munson (Defender/Midfielder/Forward, Olympus High School)

Vermont – Holley MacLellan (Forward/Midfielder, Milton High School)

Virginia – Audrey McKeen (Midfielder/Forward, Bishop O’Connell High School)

Washington – Ally Laccinole (Defender, Woodinville High School)

West Virginia – Ariana Borneo (Midfielder/Defender, Morgantown High School)

Wisconsin – Jessica Fernau (Midfielder/Forward, Muskego High School)

Wyoming – Ruby Hoelscher (Midfielder, Jackson Hole High School)

The University of Wisconsin and its Name, Image and Likeness collective, VC Connect, filed a joint lawsuit Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative NIL contract to play for the Hurricanes 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 Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced Lucas will play 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 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 the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and 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 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, Fla., had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.

Heitner said Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued 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.

College sports are rapidly evolving, and recently, it took another step to the professional level after a judge in California settled on a revenue-sharing agreement between the NCAA and players. Now, athletes are allowed to play directly for schools up to about $20 million a year on top of the NIL money. The NIL money is now regulated under the new CEO of the College Sports Commission, Bryan Seeley.

West Virginia and AD Wren Baker released a statement on the new ruling and stated West Virginia planned “for this day for a long time to best position our department for long-term success,” and they weren’t joking around.

Wednesday morning, West Virginia athletics announced the creation of Gold & Blue Enterprises, which is an initiative to “enhance the Mountaineers’ competitive edge,” according to a press release.

The program’s main features are to create a comprehensive NIL support, collaborate with strategic partners, build an innovative business structure, and dedicate leadership and governance.

The comprehensive NIL support is supposed to create services that help student athletes grow their brand to maximize their NIL potential and help with education. WVU already has some NIL collectives, like the Country Roads Trust, but this is the university’s collective. This goes hand in hand with the strategic partners part, which connects student athletes with agencies to make endorsement opportunities.

The innovative business is vague, but it’s said Gold & Blue Enterprises is operating with a “private-sector approach,” supporting the long-term sustainability of WVU sports.

A dedicated leadership and governance is supposed to be created too, but who will be a part of that hasn’t been announced.

This type of university NIL initiative isn’t something new. Once the ruling changed, multiple schools created something like this. Almost all schools had these types of supports created a couple of months ago when this case was brought to the courts in the early spring. In the release, it states that Gold & Blue Enterprises “draws inspiration” from other schools.

There is a dedicated site, goldandblueenterprises.com, but it’s very barebones as of now. It’s mainly a link to donate.

The timeliness of this release shows Baker’s commitment to making WVU consistently competitive and giving the coaches, who have been hired most recently under his leadership, the tools to succeed. Now, the coaches have to do their part and show it on the field/court.

“The launch of Gold & Blue Enterprises is a major breakthrough for WVU Athletics and its student-athletes,” Baker said in the release. “We are taking a hands-on approach to maximize Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for our students and develop innovative partnerships to generate the revenues we need to thrive. I want to thank everyone involved with helping to create and launch this proactive business venture that will work to keep WVU relevant and winning on the national stage. In today’s competitive NIL industry, the launch of GBE is a victory for all Mountaineers.”

In an unprecedented moment in college football, the University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective filed a complaint Friday against the University of Miami, alleging tortious interference. Filed Friday in a Wisconsin state circuit court, the Badgers allege that Miami poached freshman defensive back Xavier Lucas, who had signed a revenue-sharing contract with Wisconsin.

It is uncharted waters in college football. In the 23-page suit, Wisconsin is seeking financial damages and a judgment that Miami’s actions “wrongfully interfere with contractual commitments.” Beyond that, however, Wisconsin is enforcing its contract with Lucas. The defensive back’s attorney, Darren Heitner, told On3 on Friday that Lucas was never compensated through the deal by Wisconsin.

Lucas is not named in the suit, instead cited as “Student Athlete A.” But Lucas publicly left Wisconsin for Miami this winter without ever entering the transfer portal. Heitner previously alleged Wisconsin of violating NCAA rules by not putting Lucas into the transfer portal after multiple requests. In the complaint filed Friday, Wisconsin alleges that a Miami staff member and alumnus met Lucas and his family at a relative’s home in Florida.

“Accordingly, at the conclusion of the 2024 season, UW-Madison and VC Connect offered, negotiated, and executed separate NIL contracts with Student-Athlete A, under which he would receive one of the most lucrative NIL financial commitments of any UW-Madison football player,” the complaint states. “Within days of contract execution, however, Miami knowingly induced Student-Athlete A to abandon his contractual commitments to Plaintiffs. As a result of Miami’s actions, Student-Athlete A abruptly left UW-Madison’s football program and enrolled at Miami, causing Plaintiffs to suffer substantial pecuniary and reputational harm.

“Miami’s actions are in direct contravention of not only the NCAA’s established anti-tampering rules—rules designed to maintain the integrity of the transfer process and ensure fair competition among member institutions—but also established contract and tort law.”

In another unprecedented situation, the Big Ten has publicly voiced its backing of Wisconsin for filing the suit, telling On3 in a statement that, “The University of Miami’s actions are irreconcilable with a sustainable college sports framework and is supportive of UW-Madison’s efforts to preserve.” Miami did not immediately respond to a request for comment from On3.

The suit will also put the NCAA transfer rules to the test. In recent years, the college football transfer portal has come under fire from coaches due to the ease with which athletes can hit free agency. Athletes have turned the portal into a payday, too, leveraging schools against each other for the highest contract offer.

But with the House v. NCAA settlement set to officially begin on July 1, revenue-sharing contracts have been drawn up by most of the Power Four in the last six months. Tampering has become prominent in the portal, but there has been minimal enforcement from the NCAA, which has been handicapped by lawsuits.

How a judge decides to rule on this lawsuit could define how the transfer portal is enforced and how revenue-sharing contracts will hold up in the courtroom. It could also prove to be a precedent-setting move if NIL contracts can keep athletes from transferring.

College athletes are currently not classified as employees and do not have collective bargaining power.

“These are the type of tampering allegations that are typically fought behind closed doors at the professional sports level based on the leagues’ collective bargaining agreement,” sports lawyer and professor Dan Lust told On3. “Here, in the absence of any type of similar mechanism at the collegiate level, this dispute is going to be fought in open court for the world to see the complex interplay of forces in and around the transfer portal. This is truly an unprecedented case and one that commands the attention of the college sports world.”