Big Ten LB Enters Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 8:43 AM ET

With spring practices starting or ongoing from coast-to-coast, this is the time that some players decide that a change of scenery may be necessary. Last night, Northwestern linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. announced that this scenario would be the best for him:

Thankful for my time at Northwestern! I am now entering the Transfer Portal as a Grad Transfer with 2 years of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/lR0POI2mBs
— Kenny Soares (@kennysoaresjr) March 11, 2025

Soares, 6-foot-2 and 231-pounds, was able to enter the transfer portal before the upcoming April window since he is a grad transfer. Having played in 24 games over the last two seasons, he totaled 57 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups. While he was likely to receive increased playing time in 2025, he has decided to take his talents to another team.

Nov 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. (35) pressures Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Deacon Hill (10) during the second half at Wrigley Field.© David Banks-Imagn Images

As a high school recruit out of Connecticut, he initially committed to Colorado, before flipping to Northwestern. He also held offers from Maryland, Indiana, UConn, Central Michigan, Miami-Ohio, Army and others. Since his initial commitment to Colorado was pre- Deion Sanders , it is unlikely that he has any remaining relationships in Boulder.

While he wasn't a starter with the Wildcats, he was productive while on the field. Along with his size and athleticism, Soares should have plenty of options in the portal.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: