Wisconsin transfer defensive lineman Curt Neal is expected to sign with Illinois, a development first reported by 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Neal entered the portal this month after three years with the Badgers. He redshirted in 2022 before growing into a significant starting role in 2023 and 2024. He’s in the portal, and likely heading to Illinois, with two years of eligibility remaining.
Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker
On3 ranks Neal as a three-star transfer, the No. 901 player in the portal and the No. 84 defensive lineman.
He is projected to join an Illinois program that will face the Badgers in 2025: Nov. 22 at Camp Randall Stadium. The Fighting Illini finished the 2024 regular season with a 9-3 record. The team is a bowl win away from its first 10-win season since 2001.
Wisconsin transfer pass-rusher Leon Lowery already committed to Illinois this cycle. This news continues what will be an interesting storyline through the offseason: Bret Bielema, Wisconsin’s former coach, is rebuilding his defense with former Wisconsin players.
Former Wisconsin defensive lineman Curt Neal is expected to transfer to Illinois, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247sports.
Was a starter at Wisconsin this season.https://t.co/10Sz3YxlzO pic.twitter.com/Pgts7567Hk
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 21, 2024
Neal produced 42 tackles, five tackles for loss and 1/2 sack in two seasons as one of Wisconsin’s top defensive linemen. While Wisconsin has addressed the position, his departure had the largest impact of the transfer cycle to date.
For more on Wisconsin’s transfer departures and where they end up, bookmark our 2024 transfer departure tracker.
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