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.

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Athlon Sports released its 2025 preseason college football All-American teams, giving us first through third teams across all positions. There are big names across the board.

Of course, these are the preseason teams, so there’s no guarantee these players are in this spot come season’s end. Still, it’s a nice look at what’s to come this fall.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the All-American teams. First up, well, the first-team!

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First-Team All-American, Quarterback

Arch Manning, Texas

Manning is a hyped player going into the 2025 college football season. Basically, Texas’ national title hopes hinge on what he can do under center.

It’s been a two-year build to this moment. He’s got the arm, the dual-threat ability and the moxie. Now, it’s about proving it over the course of the season.

Running Back

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame; Nick Singleton, Penn State; All-Purpose Desmond Reid, Pitt

Love returns as a Heisman candidate for the Fighting Irish. He and Singleton will look to lead their offenses to a national title as well as the best two RBs in the country.

Reid can do it all, having run for nearly 1,000 yards last season. He also reeled in 52 receptions, so it’s safe to say Pitt has one of the best weapons in college football.

Wide Receiver

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State; Ryan Williams, Alabama; Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Smith dominated last year as a true freshman and it’s hard to believe we have to wait for the 2027 NFL Draft for him to go to the next level. The same goes for Williams, who’s the youngest of the group.

They’ll be the star attraction this season. Tyson should help the Sun Devils a lot once again, especially in a repeat bid for the Big 12.

Tight End

Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

It took Stowers some time to find his footing. After two years at Texas A&M, he transferred to New Mexico State before finding the right spot at Vandy.

Last year, he had 49 catches for 638 yards and five touchdowns. Safe to say he’ll be a favorite target of QB Diego Pavia.

Offensive Line

Jake Slaughter, Florida; Spencer Fano, Utah; Kadyn Proctor, Alabama; Francisco Mauigoa, Miami; Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Slaughter will anchor the Florida offensive line and be in charge of protecting QB DJ Lagway in 2025. Proctor had a big transfer saga between Alabama, Iowa and Alabama again.

However, he’s still one of the best tackles in college football. Every lineman in this group has first-round potential when it’s all said and done. It’s just a matter of the NFL scouts agreeing.

Defensive Line

Dylan Stewart, South Carolina; Colin Simmons, Texas; TJ Parker, Clemson; Peter Woods, Clemson

This grouping is loaded going into the 2025 season. Stewart is an athletic freak and should star for the Gamecocks. Simmons will be key to Texas’ national championship chase.

Parker and Woods are a dynamic duo on the Clemson front. Both look like first round draft picks in 2026 as well.

Linebacker

Anthony Hill Jr., Texas; Whit Weeks, LSU; Kyle Louis, Pitt; Taurean York, Texas A&M

Texas’ loaded defense is on display again with Hill Jr. being represented as a first-team All-American. Weeks is the pick out of LSU, rather than Harold Perkins, who’s been up and down in his career.

Louis and York should certainly make impacts at their respective locations. Keep in mind, most of these guys play inside backer but can also rush the passer.

Defensive Back

Leonard Moore, Notre Dame; Jermod McCoy, Tennessee; Caleb Downs, Ohio State; Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Downs is the headliner, among the preseason All-Americans, in this group. He was a star freshman at Alabama and had an even better sophomore year at Ohio State.

Down is off to the NFL next year as a first-round pick, but let’s not overlook the other studs on this list. Especially when it comes to Thieneman, who will lead the Ducks defense on the backend.

Specialists

K Dominic Zvada, Michigan; P Brett Thorson, Georgia; KR Keelan Marion, Miami; Josh Cameron, Baylor

Special teams can win or lose you two or so games a year. So these positions are key to success!

Zvada was 21-of-22 on field goals last season and has only missed seven over the course of three years. Thorson is ready to pin you deep while Marion and Cameron should be among the elite returnmen in the country.

Second-Team All-American

QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon
RB Isaac Brown, Louisville
AP Kaytron Allen, Penn State
WR Elijah Stewart, Indiana
WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
TE Jack Endries, Texas
C Logan Jones, Iowa
OL Parker Brailsford, Alabama
OL Kage Casey, Boise State
OL Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
OL Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame
DL Mikail Kamara, Indiana
DL Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
DL Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
LB Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
LB CJ Allen, Georgia
LB Austin Romaine, Kansas State
CB Chandler Rivers, Duke
CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
S Michael Taaffee, Texas
S KJ Bolden, Georgia
K Will Ferrin, BYU
P Rhys Dakin, Iowa
KR Barion Brown, LSU
PR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa

Third-Team All-American

QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
RB Bryson Washington, Baylor
RB Jonah Coleman, Washington
AP Dylan Edwards, Kansas State
WR Cam Coleman, Auburn
WR Makai Lemon, USC
TE Justin Joly, NC State
C Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
OL Jordan Seaton, Colorado
OL Gennings Dunker, Iowa
OL Cayden Green, Missouri
OL Blake Miller, Clemson
DL Trey White, San Diego State
DL Tyreak Sapp, Florida
DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
DL LT Overton, Alabama
LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana
LB Gabe Jacas, Illinois
LB Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame
LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
S Koi Perich, Minnesota
S Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU
K Peyton Woodring, Georgia
P Palmer Williams, Baylor
PR Kam Shanks, Arkansas

*Note Athlon Sports had two repeats on the third-team that were already mentioned.

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Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith might already be the best pass-catcher in college football and he is getting compensated accordingly. The 19-year-old sophomore is likely one of the highest-paid players outside of the quarterback position, which does not even include what he makes through outside ventures like appearances, social media partnerships, etc.

Exact numbers are not made public when it comes to Name, Image and Likeness but Smith has enough money in his bank account to purchase pants with a price tag greater than $10,000. Can’t relate!

Smith was ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2024. The Miami-native ultimately committed to Ohio State over Florida and Florida State. Although the opportunity to play for Brian Hartline and compete for a national championship was the primary catalyst for his decision, finances also played a significant role. The Buckeyes are paying him very well.

According to Syracuse head coach Fran Brown, Jeremiah Smith is getting $2 million a year. Nobody outside of Columbus knows for certain but I would imagine that number is probably about right. It might even be too low, considering that he received offers north of $4 million to transfer during the offseason.

Whatever Smith is getting paid is a lot— especially for a 19-year-old sophomore in college. He can afford $10,500 pants!

Jeremiah Smith recently swung by internet famous vintage clothing store Heat Archive in Columbus. His goal was to leave the store with cash in hand for an old pair of Chrome Hearts slacks. Owner Andrew Kounouzvelis started the negotiations at $5,000. Smith wanted $8,000.

They later compromised on a $2,000 coin flip. Heads was $4,000. Tails was $6,000. It was tails!