Julian Neal chooses Arkansas while on visit

FAYETTEVILLE — Safety Julian Neal, rated the No. 5 recruit available in the transfer portal, has signed with Arkansas.

Neal, 6-2, 200, is transferring to Arkansas from Stanford. He played at Fresno State last season with Arkansas wide receiver Raylen Sharpe, but inked with Stanford at midterm. However, Stanford fired its head coach and Neal went back into the portal. He joined Sharpe at Arkansas and talked about why.

“The visit went well, I was able to be shown the campus,” Neal said. “The fans here are really passionate about Arkansas and the Arkansas football team. Just being around, seeing the football players out in public, it was amazing to see.”

Neal also reflected back on what was the highlight of the visit.

“Walking on that field,” Neal said. “That field is crazy. I love the indoor. The coaches here are just great people.”

Arkansas has made recruiting defensive backs a priority in this portion of the transfer portal. Neal had 35 tackles, five for loss, six pass breakups, one sack and two interceptions in 2024. The fact Arkansas needs safeties played a role in his decision.

“Definitely, it’s an opportunity for me to come in right away and show my potential, show that I’m able to start,” Neal said. “I go out on the field and take big pride in the schedule that they have, so that’s something to really consider going into this.”

Neal has outstanding size and feels that is a plus for him on the field.

“It gets me an advantage over everybody,” Neal said. “I know it’s different here in the SEC. I know the receivers are probably 6-4, 6-5 and running 4.4, 4.3, so I’d definitely be met with some matches.”

Neal also chose Arkansas because of Sharpe.

“Raylen Sharpe, that’s my guy,” Neal said. “That’s a real big influence.”

Neal joins Kent State linebacker Trent Whalen, 6-3, 235, in going public with his signing to Arkansas.