The old saying is, ‘when one door closes, another opens’. But in the case of Fresno State standout Julian Neal, the open doors might just be more in number. After transferring to Stanford just a few months ago, the 6’2″, 200-pound cornerback is back on the move.
The Stanford clan has experienced a major change. The Cardinals’ coach, Troy Taylor, is out, and Frank Reich is temporarily taking his place. Neal didn’t waste time. He re-entered the spring transfer portal last week.
Where is Julian Neal Likely to Land?
With more than a dozen Power Four schools reaching out, it is safe to say that Julian Neal is not short of options. But some clear names stand ahead of the rest, and Neal has scheduled visits to them already. Where will Julian Neal land?
1. Virginia | Visit began April 15, 2025
The first stop for Julian Neal was Charlottesville. Neal’s visit to Virginia started on Tuesday, and it might just be the most intriguing fit. And that is not just because the Cavaliers wanted him before his Stanford pit stop. But because cornerback help is a must for Tony Elliott’s squad right now.
The Virginia favorite Kempton Shine is gone. Jam Jackson, their other key starter, may need surgery after a knee injury during spring ball. And while they brought in Ja’son Prevard from Morgan State, experience is thin. Dre Walker has talent, but spent most of 2024 injured. So, Neal could walk into Virginia’s defensive backfield and start from day one.
They need someone who can break up passes, and Neal just so happens to rank second on his former team in that category. Also, let’s not forget, Virginia almost landed him before. There’s already a history. Could this be their second chance?
2. Syracuse | Visited April 13, 2025
Before Julian Neal touched down in Virginia, Neal made a stop in upstate New York to visit Syracuse. The Orange are making moves in the ACC, and a versatile CB like Neal could be just what they need.
Syracuse has the ACC spotlight, and Neal is looking for exposure. If Virginia doesn’t make the cut, Syracuse could be an easy choice. Now, if the visit was enough to impress him, remains to be seen.
3. Auburn
Hugh Freeze knows to never say no to a potential game-changer. And that is exactly what Julian Neal could be for the Tigers. He had two interceptions and six pass breakups in just four starts last season at Fresno State. Even with Auburn’s secondary being one of the stronger units on the roster, there’s always room for a high-upside corner who can match up with SEC receivers.
Plus with the Tigers dealing with exists, they need to up their defensive backfield. While Neal might not be a household name just yet, the portal buzz around him says a lot. Auburn’s coaching staff has been pushing hard for a visit, and if they can get him on campus, they might be able to lock him.
Which are the Other Possible Spots?
Rivals and 247Sports both confirm that Julian Neal’s phone has been ringing quite a bit. Florida State, USC, Georgia Tech, and more are hovering. The fact that he’s ranked the No. 4 CB and No. 70 overall in the portal says it all.
Florida State could be a late-stage player. Even USC is a good spot, considering Lincoln Riley is cooking something up. With all this movement, Julian Neal might be announcing his next chapter soon.
KEEP READING: Analysts Uncover Transfer Portal Secrets a Day After Kirby Smart’s Viral Statement Shakes CFB
Whether it’s UVA, Syracuse, or a surprise Power Four name, one thing’s clear: the world is watching Julian Neal and his momentum. The cornerback carousel is just getting started.
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