Defensive lineman Curt Neal, a transfer from Wisconsin, has signed with Illinois, the school confirmed on Monday. The 6-foot, 290-pound player from Cornelius, N.C., has two years of eligibility remaining. Neal started 11 games for Wisconsin last season, logging 29 tackles, 10 pressures, 3 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks over 434 snaps. In 2023, as a redshirt freshman, he played in 13 games, recording 13 tackles, seven pressures, and 2 tackles for loss. Neal was rated the No. 464 overall prospect in the Class of 2022 and chose Wisconsin over offers from top programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia.
Neal’s transfer marks the second addition from Wisconsin to Illinois this offseason, following outside linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. Neal expressed that the Wisconsin defensive scheme did not suit his aggressive, attack-first playing style. He believes Illinois’ system aligns better with his strengths as an explosive, vertically attacking defensive lineman. Neal’s size and physicality make him a strong candidate to play nose tackle in the Illini’s defensive front, alongside redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Warren and senior Gentle Hunt, who will compete for the starting role.
Neal brings experience and skill to Illinois’ defensive line, offering a talented option to the Illini’s rotation. Under Illinois’ defensive line coach, Terrance Jamison, Neal is poised to continue the tradition of nose tackle development, following in the footsteps of past players who earned NFL opportunities.
