For the last four years, Curt Neal has been on the opposite sideline of Purdue. He spent three years at Wisconsin and one season with Illinois, clogging up the middle of the line to slow down the Boilermaker offense.
In his final year of eligibility, though, Neal will be suited up in black and gold, hoping to help get Purdue back up and running.
Neal played at Wisconsin from 2022 through 2024, then transferred to Illinois. After one season in Champaign, the 6-foot, 300-pound defensive tackle entered the transfer portal again and committed to Purdue for his final college season.
On paper, Purdue may not look like the most appealing place to spend a final season. The Boilermakers have won just three games in the last two seasons and carry an 18-game Big Ten losing streak into the 2026 season. Neal was part of two bowl teams at Wisconsin and won nine games with the Fighting Illini last fall.
But the culture that Barry Odom has built in his short time in West Lafayette stood out to Neal. That, along with the rising talent on the defensive line, helped the senior lineman make the easy decision.
"It was really a no-brainer to me, man," Neal said. "The talent, playing with Ian Jeffries, Wisdom Simms, Drake [Carlson], a bunch of younger guys who are developing, but are really good. It was a no-brainer to be alongside those guys. The culture. Coach Odom, he's the best. Always taking care of us, making sure we're good."
Neal was a perfect fit for Purdue out of the transfer portal, too. The Boilermakers needed to add a veteran to their defensive line for the 2026 season. Struggles to stop the run and pressure the quarterback hindered the Boilers last fall.
Purdue is hoping Neal can be part of the solution up front. He has totaled 61 tackles and five tackles for loss in his four years in the Big Ten. His most productive season came in 2024 at Wisconsin, when he accounted for 29 tackles and three tackles for loss.
For Purdue's defense to be more successful this season, Neal understands the importance of making an impact. From the start of spring through fall camp, he's trying to find ways he can improve his game and help the Boilermakers get off the field.
"We're always watching film, learning how we can better ourselves," Neal said. "We're the front seven, so we have to be there, and we have to make plays."
Purdue Boilermakers defensive line coach Kelvin Green leads a drill. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Neal may be a veteran on Purdue's defensive line, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Over the last eight months, the senior has relied heavily on defensive line coach Kelvin Green to help him develop.
That has been another critical relationship for Neal since his arrival at Purdue.
"When you have a leader like Coach Green, he's everything and more," Neal said. "He's teaching me new things. Even as an older guy, a vet, I'm still finding nuances and ways to better my game. Him being a leader and always finding a way to make us better. I love Coach Green."
Neal credits Purdue's development this offseason along the defensive line to Green, who has been coaching for more than a decade. With that kind of leadership, the senior says he's seen great progression from everyone at the position.
"We're all just finding our way and coming together," Neal said. "We're all coming together as one."
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/purdue as Why Big Ten DL Veteran Curt Neal Says Transferring to Purdue Was a 'No-Brainer' .
