Northwestern LB Nigel Glover Becomes First Wildcats Player to Enter Transfer Portal After Pat Fitzgerald Firing

The team is set to lose its first player since the coach was fired over allegations of sexual hazing and racism within the program.

The Northwestern football team has reportedly lost its first player to the NCAA transfer portal in the wake of coach Pat Fitzgerald’s ousting over allegations of sexual hazing and racism within the program.

Four-star freshman linebacker Nigel Glover announced his decision to transfer on Monday, per Sports Illustrated‘s Richard Johnson, a move that comes exactly one week after the firing of Fitzgerald, 48.

Glover, who committed to play for Fitzgerald in April 2022, was set to enter the 2023 season as the highest-ranked recruit in Northwestern’s incoming class. The Clayton, Ohio native and Northmont High School standout was ranked as the No. 25 LB in the ’23 cycle and No. 300 player in the country, per 24/7 Sports.

With the loss of a potential defensive star in Glover, the reality may soon start to set in for former defensive coordinator and current interim coach David Braun and his staff that there’s a real possibility more players could enter the portal in the coming weeks.  

The Wildcats remain the subject of controversy due to reports regarding Fitzgerald’s actions during his 17 seasons.

Fitzgerald, a former Northwestern star and 2008 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, was fired following an investigation into hazing, including allegations of coerced sexual acts. He initially received a two-week, unpaid suspension for the allegations, but was dismissed after three former players came forward with allegations of racism.