The Wisconsin Badgers plan on heading into the 2025 season as if a key veteran will still be a member of the program despite many questions.
Nyzier Fourqurean exhausted his collegiate eligibility last season for the Badgers but attempted something no other player has done. Fourqurean spent two seasons with Grand Valley State, a Division-II program, before transferring to Wisconsin and making the leap to the top level.
Following a major change across college football granting junior college players renewed eligibility at the Division-I level, Fourqurean filed a preliminary injunction which allowed the athlete to play during the upcoming season despite Division-II transfers not receiving extra eligibility.
Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Back Nyzier Fourqurean Continues to Practice Despite Having Eligibility Revoked
Months after the preliminary injunction was filed, Fourqurean was told that the injunction would be overturned, thus ending hopes of playing during the upcoming season. The Wisconsin Badgers staff acted quickly, filing on behalf of Fourqurean last week in hopes of still saving one final season for the defensive back.
The issue arose when the claim of the defensive back was cast aside as it was not deemed an issue that is affecting all of college football. Diego Pavia, the quarterback for Vanderbilt who took the junior college eligibility case to court, won blanket eligibility for junior college players as his claim was an issue that was affecting all of college football.
While Fourqurean may not rejoin the team officially in time for the upcoming season, coach Luke Fickell and the staff will continue to allow the defensive back to practice and prepare in case something changes. Fickell previously spoke to the media in support of Fourqurean, stating he did not want to “change all of college football” but hoped the NCAA could help “one kid” potentially make the NFL.
Fourqurean was present at practice during the first day in Platteville and will be someone to watch throughout the week as the Badgers continue to ramp up practices. The exact plan for Fourqurean currently is unknown, and watching game situations should be both interesting and telling.
The reality surrounding the Wisconsin Badgers currently is that losing Fourqurean is a rather tragic loss due to his veteran presence. Aside from three upperclassmen, the Badgers are primarily working with inexperienced freshmen at corner back this season. Without Fourqurean, a potentially vital contributor will need to be replaced and finding someone who will step-up could be difficult especially given the difficult competition during the season.
Until another “no” is handed down, the Wisconsin Badgers staff plans on treating Fourqurean like he is part of the plans for the season. Wisconsin will likely still have back-up plans in case Fourqurean is still unable to play during the upcoming season.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerrera, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on all things Wisconsin sports, click here
