Boston College DB Jalen Cheek announces plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

Boston College defensive back Jalen Cheek plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he announced Sunday on social media. Cheek spent the past four seasons with the Eagles and will have on3 year of eligibility remaining.

Cheek was a starter each of the past two years at Boston College. He appeared in a total of 23 games across the past four seasons to total 33 tackles, four passes defended and one interception.

Thank you Boston College. pic.twitter.com/uALckAcHCn

— Jalen Cheek (@jaycheekss) December 1, 2024

“First, I would like to thank God for this great opportunity,” Cheek wrote. “I appreciate my family for the constant support and being there every step of the way. I would also like to thank Coach Hafley and his staff for taking a chance and believing in me. Boston College will always have a special place in my heart.”

Cheek played his high school football for Winslow Township in Atco, New Jersey, where he was a three-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 588 overall player and No. 54 cornerback in the 2021 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Jalen Cheek is the third Boston College player to enter the transfer portal so far. It was reported last month that quarterback Thomas Castellanos would transfer, while linebacker Sione Hala made his announcement Sunday as well.

Cheek and the others can officially enter the portal when it opens up on Dec. 9.

Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos expected to enter transfer portal

Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos is expected to enter the transfer portal.

Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien announced a change at starting quarterback on last month, announcing that Grayson James will be the new starter over Castellanos.

“Tommy has done a great job for us,” O’Brien said. “He’s an awesome competitor. We have a lot of respect for Tommy. Obviously, he wasn’t real thrilled with that so he’s taking a couple days (away from the team), so I’ll get back to you on that one. But, Grayson James will be the starter.”

O’Brien announced on a Zoom call that Castellanos had not rejoined the team and will not be traveling with Boston College to SMU. The quarterback was key in Boston College’s 4-1 start to the season, knocking off Florida State in Week 1 and picking up a win over Michigan State.

In his second year with the school, Castellanos improved his numbers from 2023. In eight games this year, Castellanos had 1,366 yards, 18 touchdowns, five interceptions, a 61.5% completion percentage, 194 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

On3’s Pete contributed to this report.