Nov 5, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Justin Flowe (10) following the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Ex-5-Star Recruit Withdraws From Transfer Portal Ahead of 7th College Football Season

Originally posted on CFB-HQ on SI | By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 7:00 AM ET

The 2020 recruiting class was littered with talent. Of the 32 five-star recruits in the cycle, over half of them advanced to the NFL, including well-known standouts such as wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, running back Bijan Robinson, quarterback Bryce Young, defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and defensive end Will Anderson.

Over half a decade after beginning their college careers, one member of the group is preparing for his seventh and final season at the FBS level.

Former five-star linebacker Justin Flowe has gone through an unexpected journey since signing with Oregon in 2020. Flowe faced a great deal of adversity, battling multiple injuries and suiting up for three different programs while trying to live up to his elite billing coming out of high school.

Flowe is providing another curveball ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Former Five-Star Linebacker Exits NCAA Transfer Portal, Returning to UNLV

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Back in January, Flowe officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. However, he's had a change of heart.

According to On3's Pete Nakos, Flowe withdrew from the portal on Wednesday, and he plans to return to UNLV for a second season.

Flowe will be a seventh-year senior when he takes the field against Memphis on August 29. Last year, he contributed on special teams and as a reserve on defense, totaling 13 tackles and a pass deflection, as UNLV went 10-4.

Injuries have been a significant roadblock. Foot and knee ailments prematurely ended Flowe's first two seasons at Oregon in 2020 and 21.

In 2022, Flowe appeared in ten games, racking up 35 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He finished ninth on Oregon's defense in total tackles, displaying some of the athleticism that made him a coveted recruit.

Flowe transferred to Arizona the following season and had the most productive campaign of his college career. He recorded 44 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections in 13 appearances. Flowe had two games with 10+ tackles, including 12 tackles in a 31-24 loss to Mississippi State.

While it looked like things were finally going in the right direction, Flowe was limited to just four games in 2024, with most of that action coming on special teams.

Health is the main thing holding Flowe back as he's never been able to consistently dodge the injury bug. If he can stay on the field, the veteran defender will be a key piece as UNLV tries to get back to the conference championship.

Flowe was regarded as the No. 6 overall prospect, the No. 1 ILB, and the No. 2 recruit in California in the 2020 class according to the 247Sports Composite Ratings.

This article first appeared on CFB-HQ on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: