Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean has officially withdrawn his lawsuit against the NCAA, marking the end of his pursuit for an additional year of eligibility in college football. Fourqurean announced this decision on social media, expressing his disappointment and stating, “I could no longer keep my coaches and teammates waiting for a decision from the judge.”
Fourqurean initiated legal action in federal court in hopes of playing for the Wisconsin Badgers during the current season. He contended that his first two seasons at Grand Valley State, a Division II program, should not count against his college football eligibility. Although U.S. District Judge William Conley granted him a preliminary injunction in February, a federal appeals court revoked it in July.
The timeline for the case has faced significant delays. Originally scheduled for trial last month, the date has been pushed back to 2026. Fourqurean had requested an injunction that would allow him to compete while the legal proceedings continued, but no ruling on that request has been issued. In his social media post, he revealed that he was informed during a hearing call that a ruling was 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,” he remarked.
Fourqurean’s announcement came just before the Badgers (3-7, 1-6 Big Ten) were set to face Illinois (7-3, 4-3, No. 21 College Football Playoff) in their final home game of the season. The Badgers are scheduled to conclude their season on November 29, 2023, against Minnesota (6-4, 4-3).
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell criticized the lack of a ruling, deeming it “unacceptable.” He expressed concern for Fourqurean’s situation, stating, “to see what has happened to Nyzier is a shame.” Fourqurean initially enrolled at Grand Valley State in 2020, a year when the pandemic disrupted the football season. After playing for the school in 2021 and 2022, he transferred to Wisconsin in 2023.
During his time with the Badgers, Fourqurean started all 12 games last season, recording 51 tackles and one interception. He continued to play prominently, starting five of the last six games in 2023. Reflecting on his experience, Fourqurean expressed gratitude towards Coach Fickell and the University of Wisconsin for their support, noting, “I have been able to practice and be around the team as normal and have improved tremendously over the year.”
Despite his disappointment in not being able to contribute on the field this season, Fourqurean remains focused on his future. He is looking forward to participating in his pro day and hopes to secure an opportunity with an NFL team.
