Memphis linebacker Elijah Herring expected to enter NCAA transfer portal

Memphis linebacker Elijah Herring is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos.

Herring is a junior linebacker for the Tigers who has made considerable contributions in recent years.

As a junior in 2024, Herring recorded 60 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two interceptions and four pass breakups.

Prior to 2024, Herring spent two seasons at Tennessee. He played somewhat sparingly initially before making a major contribution as a starting linebacker in 2023.

In 2022 as a freshman, Herring played in all 13 games as a reserve linebacker and special teams player. He recorded 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks. In 2023 as a sophomore, Herring won a starting job at middle linebacker and led the team with 76 tackles before ultimately making the decision to transfer.

Prior to enrolling at Tennessee, Herring was ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 740 overall recruit in the country in the 2022 recruiting class. He also checked in as the No. 58 EDGE in the class and the No. 26 overall player from the state of Tennessee, hailing from Murfreesboro (TN) Riverdale.

Memphis loses a portal commitment

In addition to losing Elijah Herring to the transfer portal, Memphis also lost one of its expected transfers into the program.

After originally committing to Memphis out of the NCAA Transfer Portal, former Iowa running back Leshon Williams will instead now be heading to Kansas.

Williams shared his decision to flip from the Tigers to the Jayhawks on social media.

Williams entered the transfer portal back at the start of October. After interest and visits in the SEC, Big Ten, and AAC, he then committed to Memphis last week on November 26th. However, less than a week later, he has flipped that pledge to Kansas, which he made a visit to back during the week of November 19th.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater also contributed to this report.