Julian Neal’s story is far from over. While his stint at Stanford was short-lived, it may have opened doors he wouldn’t have otherwise considered
With production on the field and a clean slate ahead, Neal is poised to land in a situation where he can thrive both as a player and a leader.
Whether he ends up at a Power Five school looking for experience or a Group of Five contender aiming to solidify their defense, one thing is certain: Neal has one more shot to make his mark before eyeing a professional future.
And in today’s ever-changing college football landscape, that’s more than enough to write a comeback story.
Julian Neal may not have the five-star pedigree or All-American accolades, but he’s quickly emerging as one of the most intriguing talents in the spring portal cycle.
His combination of size, physicality, and football IQ makes him a rare find — especially this late in the calendar.
Programs in need of a cornerback who can step in and compete from Day One would be wise to take a long look at Neal. He may be under the radar now, but with the right opportunity, he could be one of the breakout defenders of the 2025 season.
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Julian Neal Re-Enters the Transfer Portal After Short Stanford Stint
In a surprising twist during the quieter spring NCAA football transfer period, Fresno State cornerback Julian Neal is once again on the move.1
After a brief commitment to Stanford University—under the leadership of former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck—Neal has been officially released from his paperwork, making him one of the most intriguing names available this spring.
Julian Neal had been waiting for his breakout season, and in 2024, he finally got it. After spending the previous three years largely in backup or rotational roles at Fresno State, Neal emerged as a significant contributor in his senior campaign.
He tallied 35 tackles, five tackles for loss (TFLs), and two interceptions—solid production for a cornerback in the competitive Mountain West Conference.
His combination of athleticism, instincts, and improved awareness in coverage made him an appealing target in the winter transfer window. While not a household name, those numbers positioned him as one of the top defensive backs available to teams looking for experience and upside.
Felt good to finally un-DS a pair.#jordan11 #airjordan #11 #jubilee #jordan #11 #patentleather #newera #chicagobulls #cartier #cartierglasses #buffs #mystyle #cubanlink #whitegold #snkrskickcheck https://t.co/tuhx4wU391
— Julian Neal (@julian_neal) February 13, 2022
A Quick Commitment to Stanford
Shortly after entering the winter transfer portal, Neal committed to Stanford University. The move made headlines, not only because of Neal’s potential but also due to the growing attention surrounding Stanford’s new head coach, Andrew Luck.
Luck, a former Heisman finalist and NFL standout with the Indianapolis Colts, took over the reins at Stanford and immediately began reshaping the roster through strategic portal acquisitions.
Bringing Neal aboard seemed like a calculated decision—pairing a developing cornerback with a head coach who understands high-level football and has an eye for talent. However, the partnership was short-lived.
Released from Stanford: A Sudden Change of Plans
On Friday, sports insider Pete Nakos of On3 Sports broke the news via social media: Stanford had officially released Julian Neal from his commitment paperwork.
No formal reason was provided by either Stanford or Coach Luck. This sudden move raised eyebrows and prompted speculation across college football media and fan circles.
“Stanford has officially released Fresno State cornerback Julian Neal from his paperwork, On3 Sports has learned. Will be a top cornerback this spring. Posted 35 tackles, 5 TFLs and 2 INTs in 2024,” Nakos tweeted.
While unexpected, Neal’s release frees him up to explore other opportunities just ahead of the spring transfer portal window.
Julian Neal: The Spring Portal Window
A Different Kind of Opportunity
Unlike the frenzied winter window, the spring NCAA transfer portal period is traditionally quieter.2
Most top players make their moves before or just after the new year, aligning with coaching changes and early enrollment opportunities.
However, the spring window offers a unique chance for players like Neal—whose circumstances have shifted late—to find a new home.
Players entering in the spring are often viewed as second-chance additions: talented individuals who either had late development surges or experienced coaching changes. Neal falls into the latter category, as his decision to enter the portal stems partly from Fresno State’s firing of head coach Troy Tetty.
Due to NCAA rules, players are granted a 30-day portal entry period following a head coaching change. Although the official spring window doesn’t open until Wednesday, Neal was able to re-enter the portal a few days early.
Coaching Uncertainty at Fresno State
Julian Neal’s original decision to leave Fresno State was directly tied to the dismissal of head coach Troy Tetty.
Tetty, who had led the Bulldogs for several seasons, was let go following a disappointing 2024 campaign. For players like Neal, who finally got significant reps under Tetty, the coaching change created uncertainty around their future roles and development opportunities.
In many cases, a change at the top can result in scheme shifts or personnel re-evaluations that don’t align with a player’s strengths.
Rather than risk diminished playing time or being asked to adjust to an unfamiliar system, Neal chose to explore his options.
Stanford’s Role in the Transfer Saga
Stanford’s involvement in this transfer portal story adds an interesting layer. The Cardinal have traditionally been conservative in the transfer market, but under Andrew Luck’s leadership, the program appears to be adopting a more aggressive approach.
While Luck’s arrival brought excitement, the quick release of a promising player like Neal raises questions.
Was the decision mutual? Did something unexpected occur behind the scenes? Without an official statement, fans and analysts are left to wonder why the commitment fell through just months after it was announced.
It’s worth noting that Stanford’s admissions and compliance processes are often more rigorous than those at other institutions. It’s possible academic or eligibility-related concerns played a role. Alternatively, the staff may have made a late pivot in recruiting strategy.
What’s Next for Julian Neal?
As of now, Neal re-enters the transfer portal as one of the top available cornerbacks.3
While he may not be a five-star talent, his experience and recent production make him an immediate plug-and-play candidate for a number of FBS programs.
Teams in need of veteran presence in the secondary, particularly those who missed out during the winter window, will likely give Neal a serious look.
Some potential landing spots include Group of Five powerhouses and even Power Five programs with depleted secondaries due to injuries or unexpected NFL Draft declarations.
Programs like Oregon State, Arizona, South Carolina, or even Big Ten schools in rebuilding phases could benefit from Neal’s skill set. His familiarity with multiple defensive systems and ability to contribute in run support and pass coverage make him an asset.
NIL and the Transfer Market: A New Reality
- Neal’s case is another example of how the NIL era and evolving transfer rules have transformed college football.
- Player mobility is at an all-time high, and with it comes both opportunities and challenges.
- Just as top-tier quarterbacks can secure multi-million dollar NIL deals, defensive standouts like Neal can now leverage their value to find the best personal and athletic fit.
- His path, while unconventional, is increasingly common in the modern game. For players who didn’t find immediate success early in their careers, the portal offers a chance to reset and recalibrate.
- And as teams become more portal-savvy, veterans with proven production—especially on defense—are being sought after more than ever.
- With the spring portal window about to open, Neal now enters a brief waiting period.
- He’ll likely receive inquiries from several programs over the next two weeks as coaches review film, assess needs, and manage scholarships.
- Given his profile, it’s reasonable to expect Neal to commit quickly once the right offer appears. This could happen within a week or two, depending on visits and negotiations.
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Former Stanford CB Julian Neal Poised for Breakout in Transfer Portal
As the spring transfer portal window heats up, one name steadily climbing the radar of Power Four programs is former Stanford and Fresno State cornerback Julian Neal.
A former three-star recruit who began his college career at Fresno State, Neal has developed into one of the most intriguing defensive backs available. Analysts, coaches, and fans are beginning to take notice — and for good reason.
In this comprehensive scouting report, we’ll break down Neal’s journey, physical tools, on-field performance, and projected impact at the next stop in his collegiate career.
From Fresno State to Stanford: The Evolution of a Defensive Back
Julian Neal entered college football in 2021 as a relatively unheralded three-star prospect out of San Francisco, California.
Signed by Fresno State, he quickly earned a reputation for his toughness and instincts, even if his game lacked polish in his freshman season.
After two seasons with the Bulldogs, Neal entered the transfer portal and landed at Stanford — a jump in competition and visibility.
Though his 2024 season with the Cardinal featured just four starts, his on-field performance left a lasting impression. He showcased traits that can’t be taught: length, strength, and an innate sense of timing when contesting throws.
Prototype Frame: NFL-Caliber Size and Physical Tools
One of the primary reasons Julian Neal has become such a hot commodity in the portal is his elite physical profile.
At 6-foot-2, he possesses prototypical NFL cornerback size — ideal for matching up against today’s bigger, more athletic wide receivers.
Cooper Petagna of 247 Sports emphasized this, saying, “Neal’s pure size, length and physicality helped propel him up our board.”
These traits make him a press-man coverage asset, particularly in schemes that require corners to disrupt timing routes at the line of scrimmage.
His long arms and strong upper body enable him to fight through blocks and engage receivers physically — tools that many defensive coordinators covet in boundary corners.
Physicality and Press Coverage Skills
Neal excels in press coverage situations, where his strength and technique allow him to jam receivers and throw off their route timing.
While many young corners struggle with hand placement and foot discipline in press coverage, Neal shows maturity in both areas.
He often uses a patient approach at the line of scrimmage — rather than lunging — allowing him to mirror the release before striking with power.
His physical style sets the tone early in games and makes receivers uncomfortable, especially those who prefer space to operate.
Julian Neal: Transfer Portal Buzz
Programs Showing Interest
Though no official commitment has been made yet, multiple Power Four programs are rumored to be heavily interested in Neal.
Teams with depth needs at cornerback — particularly those running press-heavy schemes — are likely to pursue him aggressively.
Programs in the Big Ten and SEC have shown the most early interest, though Neal may also attract attention from ACC and Big 12 teams that value physical corners. The spring portal window is shorter than December’s, making timing crucial for players like Neal.
Cooper Petagna, a respected analyst for 247 Sports, succinctly summarized the growing consensus around Neal:
“One of the top corners to hit the portal during the December window… there’s plenty enough on-field context to suggest that the 6-foot-2 defensive back from San Francisco can make an immediate impact at his next spot.”
This statement echoes a broader belief among scouts: while Neal may not have been a household name entering the 2024 season, he’s one of the few portal corners with both upside and immediate starter potential.
A Perfect Fit: What Type of Defense Suits Neal?
Julian Neal fits best in a defense that emphasizes man coverage, especially press-man at the boundary. He thrives when asked to disrupt timing routes, bully receivers at the line, and rely on his physicality to win 50-50 balls.
That said, his intelligence and zone awareness give him flexibility to play Cover 3 and Cover 2 looks effectively.
He may struggle initially in heavy off-man systems that require quick-twitch reaction skills, but with coaching, those areas can be developed.
Though Neal still has growth ahead of him, there’s no denying his raw traits and upside. With a full offseason under a strong coaching staff, he could immediately challenge for a starting cornerback spot — especially on teams with a need for length and physicality on the outside.
If he performs well in 2025, don’t be surprised if his name starts circulating among NFL draft analysts as a Day 2 or Day 3 prospect. The foundation is there, and his next stop will be critical in shaping that trajectory.
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