Illinois Football Lands Visit From Top Transfer Defensive Lineman

News: University of Miami defensive lineman Donta Simpson Jr has announced that he’s locked in a visit with Illinois Football, shortly after entering his name into the transfer portal. The former 3-star recruit in the class of 2024, and current sophomore, will have 3 years of eligibility remaining.

Simpson appeared in 8 games for the Hurricanes this season—who are on a current college football playoff run—before entering the portal. Over the course of his freshman season, Donta totaled 4 tackles (1 solo, 3 assisted), with 1.5 tackles for loss. Certainly, not gawdy numbers, but as a true freshman with a lot of talent around him, his production is an indicator of his potential to be a game wrecker on the D-line, as he continues to develop in the right program.

With 3 seasons remaining, Simpson provides a long-term option who can step in and be a day one contributor. With James Thompson Jr potentially headed to the NFL, and Curt Neal, Tomiwa Durojaiye, and Jeremiah Warren now in the portal, Simpson has a great opportunity to compete for major minutes in rotation in 2026, alongside Angelo McCollum and others.

Note: Simpson previously visited the campus in June of 2024 as a prep recruit. The Illinois Football staff’s established connection will certainly be a major help.

Blessed pic.twitter.com/Y5K9dw9yyr

— A.F.M.S (@YDonta) January 4, 2026

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