The Indiana Hoosiers are 5-0 for the first time since 1967, but WR Donaven McCulley has done little to help the team. Thus, as Week 6 begins, he has decided to redshirt and enter the transfer portal. Which teams provide the best landing spots for the talented pass catcher?
Where Will Donaven McCulley Transfer?
McCulley began his Hoosiers career as a four-star QB in 2021, but injuries forced him into a starting role as a true freshman. Ahead of the 2022 season, he transitioned to receiver and finally broke out in 2023 with a 48-644-6 stat line, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention recognition.
However, after Indiana fired head coach Tom Allen, McCulley entered the transfer portal and reportedly received significant Power Five interest. But after conversations with new hire Curt Cignetti, the Indiana native opted to stay with his hometown team.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
After working with the second team during the spring, Cignetti said McCulley needed to “pick it up a little bit.” Then, following a one-catch outing in the season opener, the 6’5″, 203-pound WR suffered an upper-body injury, limiting his ability to play his way into the lineup.
McCulley scored a touchdown on his only other reception of the year against Maryland before announcing his intention to redshirt and transfer. He isn’t the only Hoosier departing Bloomington, either, as LB Nahji Logan and safety Tyrik McDaniel have also put their names in the portal. Nevertheless, which landing spots make the most sense for McCulley in the 2025 season and beyond?
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Matt Rhule was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers when McCulley was a high school QB recruit, but he sought his services at WR last offseason.
With leading receivers Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks, who joined the Cornhuskers via the portal in 2024, out of eligibility after this season, Rhule could dip back into the well for experienced pass catchers.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Of the Bearcats’ six snap leaders at WR, only two could return next season. Why not replenish the talent pool with a pass catcher who’s had success with the starter under center, Brendan Sorsby? McCulley’s rise coincided with Sorbsy’s at Indiana, and a reunion may be the best move for all involved.
Louisville Cardinals
Coming out of Lawrence North High School, McCulley’s final five were Indiana, Purdue, Iowa, Missouri, and Ole Miss. Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm was with the Boilermakers at the time, and although McCulley has since switched positions, Brohm could still show interest.
MORE: See Every Team’s CFP Odds With the College Football Playoff Meter 2024
The Cardinals are no stranger to acquiring talent through the portal, and their proximity to Indiana (just a two-hour drive) and ability to contend in the ACC should catch McCulley’s eye.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby recruited McCulley while he was the offensive coordinator at Ole Miss and then again with the Bulldogs this offseason. Clearly, he believes in the athlete, and although he brought in several underclassmen transfers at the position, it hasn’t produced results on the field.
Purdue Boilermakers
The Boilermakers are still rebuilding under HC Ryan Walters and just fired their OC Graham Harrell.
It isn’t the best on-field spot, but McCulley may not have as many suitors as he did last go-round, and Purdue is only an hour away from his hometown of Indianapolis.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.