Questionable Qualification of Nyzier Fourqurean from Wisconsin, as Appeals Court Overturns Injunction
In a recent turn of events, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean, overturning a preliminary injunction that would have granted him an additional year of NCAA eligibility. This decision means that Fourqurean, a fifth-year senior, is currently ruled ineligible for the 2025 season.
Fourqurean, who transferred from Division II Grand Valley State, had argued that his two years at Division II should not count against his NCAA eligibility. However, his case was not upheld, unlike Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who successfully argued his non-Division I seasons should not reduce eligibility and was granted a waiver.
The NCAA has recently granted a blanket waiver that will allow athletes who played at non-NCAA Division I schools prior to enrollment an extra year of eligibility if they were going to exhaust their eligibility this year. However, this waiver does not apply to Fourqurean.
Following the injunction granted in February, Fourqurean had withdrawn from NFL draft consideration and practiced with Wisconsin in spring. With the appeals court decision overturning that injunction, Fourqurean will not play this fall, leaving a significant void in Wisconsin’s defensive backfield due to his extensive playing time and impact over two seasons with the Badgers.
The NCAA is currently appealing Pavia's court case victory, but has not responded to the appeal yet. Messages sent to Fourqurean's legal representatives and Wisconsin football spokespeople were not immediately returned.
The NCAA, despite the court ruling, has expressed gratitude for the decision and reiterated its commitment to providing opportunities for student-athletes. Fourqurean, on the other hand, had testified that he would make "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in name, image, and likeness compensation if he plays this season.
With Fourqurean's eligibility for the upcoming season uncertain, the path forward for the Wisconsin Badgers' season opener against Miami (Ohio) on Aug. 28 is less clear. The ruling has set a precedent, and the future of similar cases involving athletes who played at non-Division I schools remains to be seen.
Fourqurean's ineligibility for the 2025 season, despite his arguments for extended NCAA eligibility, couldn't be reversed as this waiver does not cover his case, in contrast to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Despite the setback, Fourqurean still hopes to make "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in NIL compensation if he gets a chance to play this season.
