Wisconsin top transfer defensive lineman predicted to sign with a Big Ten rival

This could be a significant development

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.

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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Prediction and betting odds for Commanders vs. Eagles in Week 16

Analyzing Commanders vs. Eagles game with odds and lines, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Commanders (9-5) host the Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) in Week 16 action from Northwest Stadium. The Commanders look to avenge a 26-18 loss to the Eagles in Week 11 — a game they led for three quarters.

The Commanders enter Sunday as the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed, while the Eagles are the second seed but have the same record as top-seeded Detroit.

Below are the latest odds and our final score prediction for Sunday.

Commanders vs. Eagles game odds:

All NFL Odds via BetMGM:

  • Point spread: Commanders +3.5 (-110) / Eagles -3.5 (-110)
  • Money line: Commanders +155 / Eagles -190
  • Over-under: 45.5 (O: -110 / U: -110)

Commanders vs. Eagles injury updates:

  • Commanders TE Zach Ertz: Questionable (concussion)
  • Commanders S Jeremy Chinn: Questionable (concussion)
  • Commanders DT Jonathan Allen: Out (pectoral)
  • Eagles EDGE Bryce Huff: Out (wrist)
  • Eagles S Sydney Brown: Questionable (concussion)
  • Eagles WR Britain Covey: Out (neck)

Commanders vs. Eagles prediction, pick:

Bryan Manning:

Washington isn’t as hot offensively as it was heading into the first meeting. Now, the Commanders are without Austin Ekeler and Noah Brown. It looks like Zach Ertz will play, which is terrific news for Washington. I believe Washington’s defense plays well for most of the game, and the offense is better this time around. However, the Eagles are healthier and the better team. Washington is gaining ground, though. Saquon Barkley again proves to be the difference.

Pick: Eagles, 27, Commanders 23

Ivan Lambert:

The Commanders are averaging 28.3 points a game this season. However, the Eagles’ defensive front seven restricted the Commanders’ offense, holding them to 10 points until that final possession drive against the Eagles prevent defense.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are the No. 1 rushing team in the NFL at 186 yards a game.

On defense, the Eagles are also No. 1 in scoring defense, surrendering only 17.6 points a game.

The Commanders have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season; they are 0-4 against those teams. I honestly think this game could be closer, but can the Commanders produce enough in the passing game with Noah Brown injured and possibly Zach Ertz out as well?

Pick: Eagles 24, Commanders 17

Serena Burks:

The Commanders face a tall task on Sunday against the Eagles. Washington has struggled of late, even after the bye. Both teams are primarily healthy, but the Eagles have one thing the Commanders don’t: Saquon Barkley. It’s not just about his natural talent or ability; it’s about his sheer will to win.

Pick: Eagles 24, Commanders 21

Commanders vs. Eagles channel, start time, streaming:

The Commanders vs. Eagles game starts at 1:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on Fox.

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Texans today: Time, TV channel for Week 16

Everything you need to know to tune into the Kansas City #Chiefs’ Week 16 matchup against the Houston #Texans on Saturday, December 21.

The Kansas City Chiefs remain in sole possession of first place in the AFC playoff standings after their victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

The defending Super Bowl champions will look to maintain their conference-best record against the Houston Texans today.

The Texans have been solid this year, and quarterback C.J. Stroud has continued to build on his impressive 2023 campaign.

Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes suffered an injury scare last week that left his status up in the air, but head coach Andy Reid has confirmed he will play in today’s game.

Veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown is also expected to play today after being on injured reserve all season, but don’t bank on a big game from the speedy pass-catcher in his regular-season Chiefs debut.

Here’s how to watch the Chiefs’ Week 16 matchup with the Texans, including time, TV schedule, and streaming information:

What channel is Chiefs vs Texans game on today? Time, TV schedule

TV Channel: NBC

Start time: Noon CST

Chiefs vs. Texans will be broadcast nationally on CBS in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season. Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will call the game from the booth at Arrowhead Stadium, with Kathryn Tappen reporting from the sidelines.

Where to watch Chiefs vs Texans on livestream

Streaming options for the game include Fubo and Peacock

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Chiefs vs Texans live on Peacock” link=”https://imp.i305175.net/Y9vDoJ”]

Chiefs vs Texans predictions, picks

Chiefs 24, Browns 21: Patrick Mahomes’ ankle continues to be a concern for the Chiefs and will undoubtedly be a factor in today’s game. The reigning Super Bowl MVP is known for his ability to scramble and move around the pocket, but a hurt ankle may prove to limit his mobility. Even after comments by Texans’ defensive tackle Tim Settle earlier this week, Houston’s defensive front doesn’t present much of a threat to Kansas City and shouldn’t keep the Chiefs from securing a win.

Chiefs schedule 2024

  • Sept. 5: Baltimore (W, 27-20)
  • Sept. 15: Cincinatti (W, 26-25)
  • Sept. 22: at Atlanta (W, 22-17)
  • Sept. 29: at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 17-10)
  • Oct. 7: New Orleans (W, 26-13)
  • Oct. 12: Bye
  • Oct. 20: at San Francisco (W, 28-18)
  • Oct. 27: at Las Vegas (W, 27-20)
  • Nov. 4: Tampa Bay (W, 30-24)
  • Nov. 10: Denver (W, 16-14)
  • Nov. 17: at Buffalo (L, 30-21)
  • Nov. 24: at Carolina (W, 30-27)
  • Nov. 29: Las Vegas (W, 19-17)
  • Dec. 8: Los Angeles Chargers (W, 19-17)
  • Dec. 15: at Cleveland (W, 21-7)
  • Record: 13-1

Texans schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: at Indianapolis (W, 29-27)
  • Sept. 15: Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Sept. 22: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Sept. 29: Jacksonville  (W, 24-20)
  • Oct. 6: Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 13: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Oct. 20: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Oct. 27: Indianapolis (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 31: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
  • Nov. 10: Detroit (L, 26-23)
  • Nov. 18: at Dallas (W, 34-10)
  • Nov. 24: Tennessee (L, 32-27)
  • Dec. 1: at Jacksonville (W, 23-20)
  • Dec. 15: Miami (W, 20-12)
  • Record: 9-5

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Expert predictions for Florida-Tulane in 2024 Gasparilla Bowl

Here are the Gasparilla Bowl predictions from the Gators Wire crew as the big game quickly approaches.

It was a long journey for the Florida Gators, from the college football preseason to the final game of the schedule.

Alas, the Orange and Blue survived the toughest schedule in the sport this fall, earning a 7-5 overall record and a trip to the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa to face the Tulane Green Wave. The two programs will take the field opposite each other on Friday in a series that UF leads with an all-time record of 13-6-2 dating back to 1915.

Billy Napier and Co. come into this one with tons of momentum while Jon Sumrall’s squad is still smarting from a beatdown in the American Athletic Conference title game against the Army Black Knights. Additionally, the opening of the transfer portal has changed some team dynamics as well.

Ahead of Florida’s first bowl game since 2022, the Gators Wire staff convened to offer their respective takes on this year’s Gasparilla Bowl matchup.

Florida is poised to dominate

Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The upcoming Gasparilla Bowl offers an interesting matchup between Florida and Tulane. Spearheaded by freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, Florida has hit a late-season stride that should terrify any opponent. Lagway’s arm strength and on-field leadership have been instrumental in Florida’s resurgence, propelling the team to notable victories against top-tier opponents.

Although Tulane boasts a robust defense and a talented running back in Makhi Hughes, they face a significant setback with the departure of their standout quarterback. This adjustment might just be too much to overcome against a Gator squad that’s gaining momentum and cohesion at the right time.

Backed by a surging offense and revitalized team spirit, Florida is poised to not only compete but to dominate in the Gasparilla Bowl, making it a game that Gator fans can eagerly anticipate as a display of Florida’s rising prowess. — Aidan Gallardo

Florida 42, Tulane 21

Lagway soars, defense smothers

Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Florida is favored by two touchdowns coming into this one despite the stark difference in records. Of course, the difference between the SEC and AAC is night and day, and Tulane got creamed by a top-25 Army squad in the title game.

Additionally, The Green Wave has seen more significant departures into the transfer portal than the Gators. Combine that with Napier and Co’s momentum coming into this one, it should be a slam dunk.

I expect DJ Lagway to put up season-best numbers in this one while the defense smothers an over-matched opponent. The Gators have won the last 11 meetings, albeit the last one coming in 1984. I see victory No. 12 after the final horn sounds. — Adam Dubbin

Florida 38, Tulane 13

Montrell Johnson Jr. will be the stud

Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

This Florida team has done a lot whenever it has a week off, and the extra practices that come with a bowl game should benefit the team greatly. Sure, a handful of players will be missing, but most of the departing transfers aren’t starters and the team was already banged up. Tulane has lost more, too.

This should be a relatively easy win for the Gators, especially if the team plays like it did against LSU and Ole Miss. I’m not sure Adam’s prediction of a Lagway season-best is in the cards — the kid threw for 456 yards and three touchdowns against Samford — but he should still show out.

I’m more inclined to believe that Montrell Johnson Jr. will be the stud here. One last big game for one of Napier’s favorite players. — David Rosenberg

Florida 42, Tulane 17

How to watch Gasparilla Bowl

The Florida-Tulane game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 20, and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Wisconsin predicted to land top transfer quarterback, former Big Ten starter

Some big news on the heels of Wisconsin landing QB Danny O’Neil

Wisconsin is making major noise on the transfer portal recruiting trail.

The program has landed five transfer commitments since last Friday, those coming from San Diego State quarterback Danny O’Neil, Western Michigan defensive lineman Corey Walker, Louisville edge rusher Mason Reiger, Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol and Tulane defensive lineman Parker Petersen.

Related: Tracking Wisconsin football’s transfer portal offers, interests and commitments

All five additions fulfill major areas of need on the Badgers’ roster — none bigger than quarterback.

O’Neil projects to be Wisconsin’s backup in 2025. He transfers to the program with three years of eligibility remaining after starting as a true freshman in 2024.

Who exactly fills the starting role is still unclear as of Dec. 16. But there are indications that a commitment is imminent: On3 recruiting insiders Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos recently logged predictions for former Maryland starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to choose the Badgers, flipping from their original pick of Michigan.

This news comes on the heels of Wisconsin hosting Edwards Jr. on an official visit over the weekend.

Edwards Jr. is in the portal after three years with the Terrapins. He was their starter in 2024, completing 65% of his passes for 2,881 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was one of the only bright spots on a Maryland team that finished the year 4-8.

Edwards Jr. was also set to take a transfer visit to Michigan, though 247Sports’ Chris Hummer reports that he will no longer do so. The service is also reporting that he will still visit Virginia.

Edwards Jr.’s recruitment is worth monitoring with the Badgers now appearing to be the favorite. If he commits, he would give Wisconsin a sure-fire starting option in 2025 with O’Neil and top class of 2025 signee Carter Smith next in line moving into 2026 and beyond.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Browns today: Time, TV channel for Week 15

It’s #Chiefs vs #Browns in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season. Here’s how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.

The Kansas City Chiefs officially clinched their ninth-consecutive AFC West title in Week 14 by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers and can get closer to securing the conference’s No. 1 seed by taking care of business against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.

The Browns have struggled this season, but superstar defensive end Myles Garrett will be a thorn in the side of the Chiefs’ offensive line all game.

With offensive lineman D.J. Humphries out for the matchup, one of Kansas City’s struggling tackles will be expected to block the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Expect the Chiefs to lean on their ground game and keep quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ dropbacks to a minimum when Garrett is on the field.

Here’s how to watch the Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup with the Browns, including time, TV schedule, and streaming information:

What channel is Chiefs vs Browns game on today? Time, TV schedule

TV Channel: CBS

Start time: Noon CST

Chiefs vs. Browns will be broadcast nationally on CBS in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season. Ian Eagle and Charles Davis will call the game from the booth at Huntington Bank Field, with Evan Washburn reporting from the sidelines.

Where to watch Chiefs vs Browns on livestream

Streaming options for the game include Fubo and Paramount+

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Chiefs vs Browns live on Paramount+” link=”https://paramountplus.qflm.net/zNQ5nr”]

Chiefs vs Browns predictions, picks

Chiefs 21, Browns 18: The Chiefs don’t have a lengthy history with the Browns, so judging their past performances against Cleveland provides little insight. However, the Browns are having a rough year and Jameis Winston— while exciting to watch—is unlikely to outduel Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City will ultimately find a way to win this one but, naturally, the final score will be entirely too close for comfort.

Chiefs schedule 2024

  • Sept. 5: Baltimore (W, 27-20)
  • Sept. 15: Cincinatti (W, 26-25)
  • Sept. 22: at Atlanta (W, 22-17)
  • Sept. 29: at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 17-10)
  • Oct. 7: New Orleans (W, 26-13)
  • Oct. 12: Bye
  • Oct. 20: at San Francisco (W, 28-18)
  • Oct. 27: at Las Vegas (W, 27-20)
  • Nov. 4: Tampa Bay (W, 30-24)
  • Nov. 10: Denver (W, 16-14)
  • Nov. 17: at Buffalo (L, 30-21)
  • Nov. 24: at Carolina (W, 30-27)
  • Nov. 29: Las Vegas (W, 19-17)
  • Dec. 8: Los Angeles Chargers (W, 19-17)
  • Record: 12-1

Browns schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: Dallas (L, 33-17)
  • Sept. 15: at Jacksonville (W, 18-13)
  • Sept. 22: New York Giants (L, 21-15)
  • Sept. 29: at Las Vegas (L, 20-16)
  • Oct. 6: at Washington (L, 34-13)
  • Oct. 13: at Philadelphia (L, 20-16)
  • Oct. 20: Cincinatti (L, 21-14)
  • Oct. 27: Baltimore (W, 29-24)
  • Nov. 3: Los Angeles Chargers (L, 27-10)
  • Nov. 17: at New Orleans (L, 35-14)
  • Nov. 21: Pittsburgh (W, 24-19)
  • Dec. 2: at Denver (L, 41-32)
  • Dec. 8: at Pittsburgh (L, 27-14)
  • Record: 3-10

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ESPN previews Gators-Seminoles college football rivalry matchup

The Gators will be on the hunt in Doak Campbell Stadium this Saturday in search of a weakened Seminoles squad.

The historic college football rivalry game between the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles is set to kick off on Saturday evening and ahead of the final weekend of the regular season, the media pundits are casting their final takes.

Among them is ESPN’s Billy Connelly, who published his exhaustive rivalry week preview which included the UF-FSU matchup. Like most, he expects a triumph for the Orange and Blue inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

“Billy Napier has pulled off a brilliant coaching job, pulling Florida to 6-5 despite QB injuries and an absurd schedule. In seven straight games as an underdog, the Gators won four,” Connelly notes.

“They’ll go from hunter to hunted in Tallahassee, which can be awkward, but has FSU given us any reason to think its A-game is enough to beat a good team, even in a rivalry game?”

Florida’s FPI, SP+ numbers

The Gators are ranked 25th in the FPI this week, with the team’s overall rating rising from 10.5 last week to 11.6 this week. The FPI also gives Florida an 82.7% chance of winning over FSU.

Connelly’s SP+ prediction for the rivalry matchup favors Florida by 12.6 points over Florida State with a 79% win probability and a projected final score of 31-19.

How to watch UF-FSU

The Gators and Seminoles face off in Tallahassee on Saturday, Nov. 30. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Football Power Index prediction strongly favors Florida vs. FSU

ESPN’s FPI gives Florida over an 80% chance of prevailing over FSU in Tallahassee on Saturday.

The final game of the 2024 college football season is nearly here, which means the annual matchup between the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles is on deck. This year’s edition of the Sunshine State’s biggest rivalry brings with it an unexpected narrative.

The Orange and Blue have surged over the past couple of weeks, proving the naysayers wrong by reaching the six-win mark and locking into a postseason appearance. Billy Napier’s once-hot coach seat has now cooled to a temperate level since the program put its faith in the third-year skipper.

The Garnet and Gold are heading in the opposite direction having gone undefeated during the regular season last year and coming into this fall near the top of the rankings. It has been a brutal campaign for Mike Norvell to stomach, but that is life in the transfer portal era.

Football Power Index prediction

ESPN’s FPI, which predicts the outcome of each college football game every week, gives Florida an 82.7% chance of winning over FSU.

The Gators are ranked 25th in the FPI this week, with the team’s overall rating rising from 10.5 last week to 11.6 this week. That puts them between the No. 24 Colorado Buffaloes and No. 26 Iowa State Cyclones.

How to watch UF-FSU

The Gators and Seminoles face off inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

SP+ prediction for Gators-Seminoles rivalry matchup in Week 14

ESPN’s SP+ model predicts a strong finish to the regular season for the Orange and Blue.

One of the biggest college football rivalry games in the nation is set to take place this Saturday in Tallahassee, where the Florida Gators will go head-to-head with the Florida State Seminoles in a series that dates back to 1958.

The Orange and Blue have seen a late-season surge that clinched a bowl berth last weekend after beating the then-ninth-ranked Ole Miss Rebels in the Swamp. This followed a top-25 upset of the LSU Tigers team inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as well.

The Garnet and Gold, however, have had a fall to forget, winning just two games with a brutal nine losses to go with them. Mike Norvell’s team has plummeted precipitously from their undefeated regular-season campaign in 2023.

Ahead of the 68th meeting between the two schools on the collegiate gridiron, ESPN’s Bill Connelly released his SP+ predictions for the rivalry matchup. His computer model favors Florida by 12.6 points over Florida State with a 79% win probability and a projected final score of 31-19.

Compare that with the initial spread for the game (Florida, -14.5 points) for a difference of 1.9 between the two.

Billy Napier and Co. sit at No. 28 out of 134 FBS schools (10.2 overall rating) in the SP+ rankings coming into the last game of the regular season, while the visiting squad is 85th in the nation (-4.9).

About SP+ predictions

“SP+ is intended to be predictive and forward-facing,” according to ESPN. “It is not a résumé ranking that gives credit for big wins or particularly brave scheduling — no good predictive system is.

“It is simply a measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football. If you’re lucky or unimpressive in a win, your rating will probably fall. If you’re strong and unlucky in a loss, it will probably rise.”

How to watch UF-FSU

The Gators will face the Seminoles inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN 2.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

CBS Sports’ pick for Florida-Ole Miss in Week 13

CBS Sports writer Brandon Marcello offered his picks for the Southeastern Conference’s slate of games, including the Gators-Rebels matchup. 

Kickoff between the Florida Gators and Ole Miss Rebels inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is just a few hours away. The Week 13 college football matchup is a bit one for both schools with postseason aspirations on the line.

Ahead of the penultimate weekend of the 2024 regular season, CBS Sports writer Brandon Marcello offered his picks for the Southeastern Conference’s slate of games, including the Gators-Rebels matchup.

“Florida has been playing much better since September, even as it dealt with debilitating injuries at quarterback,” Marcello begins. “With [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] back on the field, the Gators suddenly seem to be a threat to potentially knock off Ole Miss, a playoff hopeful that drilled Georgia two weeks ago. The Gators are nearly 90 yards per game better on defense at home, and last week they held LSU to 4.1 yards per play, their best performance against an FBS team this season.

“Ole Miss, however, seems to have cut back on the mistakes at inopportune times and the offense is clicking again, averaging 7.6 yards per game, the second-best average in the country behind Miami, which blew out the Gators at home in their season opener,” he continues. “Florida is better than it was in September and will show up again Saturday, but the Rebels’ defense has been on a tear (22 sacks in the last three games) and wins by a score.”

Marcello picks Florida at plus-10.5.

How to watch Florida-Ole Miss

The Gators play their final home game of the season against Ole Miss on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is set for noon ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.