The status of Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean for the upcoming season is now uncertain following a federal appeals court decision that overturned a preliminary injunction granting him an additional year of NCAA eligibility. In a 2-1 ruling on Wednesday, Seventh Circuit judges reversed the lower court’s decision after an appeal by the NCAA. Fourqurean, a fifth-year senior, contended that his first two college seasons at Division II Grand Valley State should not count towards his eligibility.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is set to return to play after winning a court case last year regarding the exclusion of his two seasons at a junior college from his eligibility calculation. Although the NCAA is appealing the decision, a blanket waiver has been granted to Pavia and other athletes who previously competed at non-NCAA Division I schools, allowing them an extra year of eligibility if their eligibility would have been exhausted this year.
The future course for Fourqurean, who is expected to be a starter, remains uncertain with Wisconsin’s season opener against Miami (Ohio) approaching in just over six weeks. Attempts to reach the attorneys representing Fourqurean in court documents and spokespersons for Wisconsin football were unsuccessful.
During a U.S. District Court hearing in February, Fourqurean testified that he could earn substantial compensation through name, image, and likeness opportunities if he were to play this season. Following the preliminary injunction granted by Judge William Conley, Fourqurean withdrew from consideration for the NFL draft and participated in spring practices.
