Donaven McCulley, Indiana football senior wide receiver, has entered the transfer portal after only four games. Because he has played in four games or less this season, McCulley retains one more year of eligibility.
Indiana Star Receiver Donaven McCulley Will Transfer
Donaven McCulley was a standout high school quarterback at Indianapolis Lawrence North High School. In his freshman season, he threw for 475 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The following year, the 6’ 5” 203 pound McCulley switched to wide receiver.
Strong Finish Leads to All-Big Ten Honors
Donaven McCulley had a solid 2023 season, leading the Hoosiers with 48 receptions for 644 yards and six touchdowns. In the final five games, McCulley grabbed 28 passes for 420 yards and five touchdowns. The strong finish earned Donaven All-Big Ten Honorable Mention accolades. With his combination of size and athleticism, McCulley quickly became a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Donaven McCulley Entered the Portal Last Fall
The day after Tom Allen was fired as Indiana football coach, McCulley entered the transfer portal. But the incoming coaching staff – including new head coach Curt “I Win” Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan – talked him into staying. They also brought in a group of experienced receivers through the portal, including Elijah Sarratt (James Madison), Miles Cross (SMU), Myles Price (Ohio), and Ke’Shawn Williams (Wake Forest). Still, keeping McCulley was considered the biggest score.
The Talented Donaven McCulley Got Lost in a Strong Group of Receivers
During spring practice, Cignetti called McCulley out, saying the wide receiver needed “to pick it up a little bit.” In hindsight, perhaps that signaled the beginning of the end for McCulley in Bloomington. He caught one pass for ten yards in Indidana’s season-opening win against Florida International. But he was also hurt in that game and missed the following week’s game.
Even before his injury, McCulley saw his importance diminish as the other receivers shined. McCullen had only one more catch the rest of the season – a 12-yard touchdown grab in the Hoosiers’ win over Maryland last Saturday.
Potential Landing Spots include Texas A&M, Penn State, & Michigan
After the game, McCulley decided it was time to move on. The timing is important because by leaving now, McCullen retains one more year of eligibility. Before Cignetti convinced him to stay, McCullen drew strong interest from Texas A&M, Penn State, and Michigan. Those programs and more will likely offer McCulley a fresh start. Hoping he can put up big numbers as he once did for the Hoosiers.
Despite the loss of Donaven McCulley, #23 Indiana is off to its first 5-0 start in 57 years. With a win at Northwestern on Saturday, Indiana will become bowl-eligible in the first week of October. Hoosier fans are hoping for bigger and better things. With a win over Michigan in Bloomington – no guarantee, but a game Indiana is favored to win – the Hoosiers have a chance to make the College Football Playoff.
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