Wisconsin DL transfer Curtis Neal signs with Illinois out of transfer portal

Wisconsin defensive lineman Curtis Neal has signed with Illinois out of the NCAA transfer portal, On3 has learned.

Neal was a redshirt sophomore for the Badgers, playing an increased role during the 2024 season. His contributions made him a coveted target out of the transfer portal.

The 6-foot defensive lineman recorded 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks and two quarterback hurries this season for Wisconsin.

Curtis Neal had a relatively limited impact before that. In 2022, he appeared in four games and made three tackles. He played in all 13 games (with one start) in 2023, picking up 13 tackles on the season.

Prior to enrolling at Wisconsin, Curtis Neal was ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 459 overall recruit in the 2022 class. He also checked in as the No. 53 defensive lineman and the No. 14 overall player in the state of North Carolina, hailing from Cornelius (NC) William Amos Hough.

Wisconsin lands quality receiver transfer

Though Wisconsin lost Curtis Neal through the transfer portal, not all the portal news has been negative for the Badgers.

Idaho Vandals transfer wide receiver Mark Hamper is taking his talents to Madison, committing to join the Wisconsin Badgers via the NCAA Transfer Portal, he revealed via social media.

He spent two seasons with the Vandals, but his breakout came in 2024. Hamper amassed 48 catches for 966 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and he’ll be looking to bring that same juice to the Badgers in 2025.

Hamper played high school football at West Linn (OR), where he was a three-star prospect. He was not ranked during the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this report.