Wisconsin defensive lineman Curt Neal expected to sign with Illini Football

Per Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of 247sports, former Wisconsin Badger lineman Curt Neal is expected to transfer to Illinois. Neal started games for the Wisconsin Badgers last year and will now help elevate a young and raw defensive line room at Illinois. Curt Neal will have two years of eligibility left after playing three seasons at Wisconsin. Coming out of high school, Neal was a high three-star prospect who had offers from Ohio State, Georgia, Penn State, LSU, and many more power-four programs.

The Cornelius native is the fourth transfer portal addition for Illini Football. He will join his teammate from Wisconsin, Leon Lowery Jr., who also just signed with Illinois, on the defensive line.

Neal fills a priority need

Illinois football needs to bulk up its defensive line. With Te’Rah Edwards, Dennis Briggs Jr, and Seth Coleman all out of eligibility, the Illini need some veterans to bridge the gap. Lowery and Neal bring Big Ten experience to the room immediately. Though Neal is undersized at 6 foot 0 inches, he has a tenacity and motor that coach Terrance Jamison covets. Look for Illinois football to continue to add linemen on both sides of the ball. So far, two Wisconsin Badgers have decided to transfer to Illinois. Keep an eye on more Badgers who decide to transfer out, as plenty of them will certainly interest the Illini.

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