Wisconsin Football Loses Major Defensive Contributor to Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kedrick Stumbris | Last updated Dec 3, 2024 10:37 AM ET

Madison, WI—Wisconsin football will need to make significant changes this offseason. With the Badgers' first losing season since 2001 behind them, all eyes are on the transfer portal and national signing day.

UW's offense was the target of deserved consternation in 2024, but the defense was not up to par either.

Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel's unit was not disruptive enough up front. With only 17 sacks in 12 games, the Badgers ranked 118th out of all 133 FBS teams. Even worse, they finished dead last in tackles for loss with only 42.

After a lackluster season of production for UW's defensive front, a Badgers defensive lineman entered the transfer portal on Tuesday.

Wisconsin Football Defensive Lineman Curt Neal Enters Transfer Portal

Curt Neal announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on social media. In a post on the website formerly known as Twitter, Neal wrote:

After much thought and reflection, I've decided I'll be entering my name in the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. This has not been an easy decision, as my time here at Wisconsin has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you Badger nation!

The redshirt sophomore was a major contributor on the defensive line for the Badgers in 2024. The Cornelius, North Carolina native led all defensive linemen with 29 total tackles and finished second on the DL, behind Elijah Hills, with three tackles for loss. He was credited with 1.0 sacks on the season - 0.5 coming against both Northwestern and Oregon.

After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided I’ll be entering my name in the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. This has not been an easy decision, as my time here at Wisconsin has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you Badger Nation!
— Curtis Neal (@CurtisNeal97) December 3, 2024

Neal is the sixth Wisconsin football player to publicly declare their intent to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Players can officially enter the portal beginning Monday, December 9th. To stay up to date with all the latest developments, bookmark our Transfer Portal Tracker.

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

More must-reads: