Top 25 College Football Program Loses Key Player To NCAA Transfer Portal

The NCAA transfer portal is already leaving its mark on the 2024 college football season. Multiple key players have announced plans to redshirt the remainder of the season and transfer when the winter window opens on Dec. 9.

Louisville Cardinals defensive back Devin Neal is the latest example. According to On3's Pete Nakos , Neal has left the program with intentions to transfer. He led the team in interceptions (4) and finished second on the team in tackles (74) in 2023.

Neal's exit comes as a tough blow to Jeff Brohm and the No. 22 Cardinals. Louisville is slated to take on SMU (4-1) at home on Saturday.

Neal earned Third-Team All-ACC honors last season after helping lead Louisville to an ACC Championship Game appearance in his first season as a Cardinal. The former three-star out of Lexington, Kentucky, spent three seasons at Baylor before transferring to Louisville ahead of last season.

Neal has played in all four games this season, recording nine tackles. It's unclear why Neal has decided to play elsewhere, but the emergence of Tamarion McDonald could be a key reason. McDonald transferred in from Tennessee ahead of the season after four years in Knoxville. He has recorded 15 tackles and three tackles for loss thus far.

After dropping a close game to No. 14 Notre Dame last week, the Cardinals face another tough test against SMU in Week 6. The Mustangs routed Florida State in dominant fashion last week, 42-16. Kickoff from Louisville is set for noon ET (ESPN).

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