Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean has officially withdrawn his lawsuit against the NCAA, concluding his effort to secure an additional year of college football eligibility. In a post on X, Fourqurean expressed his disappointment, stating, “I could no longer keep my coaches and teammates waiting for a decision from the judge.”
Fourqurean originally pursued the case in federal court, arguing that his first two seasons at Division II program Grand Valley State should not count against his eligibility. In February, U.S. District Judge William Conley had granted him a preliminary injunction that allowed him to play. However, this ruling was overturned by a federal appeals court in July. The case was slated for trial last month, but the date has now been postponed to 2026.
The cornerback sought an injunction that would permit him to play while the case was pending, but the court has yet to issue a ruling on that request. Fourqurean mentioned in his social media update that he was informed during a hearing call that a ruling would be issued in the last week of September, coinciding with Wisconsin’s bye week. “My coaches, teammates and I waited and waited, and still nothing from the judge since,” he lamented.
Wisconsin’s football team is currently preparing for their home finale against Illinois on November 11, 2023. The Badgers, with a record of 3-7 and 1-6 in the Big Ten, will finish their season against Minnesota on November 29, 2023. Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell had previously criticized the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Fourqurean’s eligibility, calling the lack of a ruling “unacceptable” and expressing that it is a “shame” to see what has transpired for the player.
Fourqurean enrolled at Grand Valley State in 2020, a year marked by the cancellation of the season due to the pandemic. He played two seasons for Grand Valley State before transferring to Wisconsin in 2023. During his time with the Badgers, he started in all 12 games last season, recording 51 tackles and one interception. He also started five of the last six games in 2023.
In his X post, Fourqurean expressed gratitude towards Coach Fickell and the University of Wisconsin, stating, “I am thankful for Coach Fickell and all of UW for sticking with me and making me as much of a member of the team as they could.” He added that he had been able to practice normally and had made significant improvements over the past year. With aspirations of playing professionally, he mentioned, “I look forward to my pro day and an opportunity with an NFL team,” indicating a strong desire to continue his football career despite the recent setbacks.
As the Badgers prepare for their final games of the season, the team will undoubtedly feel the absence of Fourqurean’s contributions on the field, as he had aimed to make a significant impact during his final year of eligibility.
