Arkansas Razorbacks Add Transfers Julian Neal and Phillip Lee to Roster
The Arkansas Razorbacks continue to build their football program through the transfer portal, recently adding two experienced defenders—Julian Neal and Phillip Lee. Both players bring valuable collegiate experience and have demonstrated productivity on the field. Neal, a defensive back, arrives after brief stints at Fresno State and Stanford, while Lee, a defensive end, transfers from Troy University.
—
Julian Neal – Defensive Back
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs
Hometown: San Francisco, California
High School: Mission HS
Previous Schools: Fresno State, Stanford
Julian Neal’s football journey has taken him across multiple programs, where he consistently contributed in various roles. After beginning his career at Fresno State and briefly transferring to Stanford for the spring of 2025, Neal is now set to suit up for Arkansas.
2024 Season (Fresno State – Redshirt Junior):
Neal made an impact throughout the 2024 season, appearing in all 12 games with four starts. He totaled 35 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. His season began with two tackles, including a tackle for loss, against Michigan. He added a tackle against Sacramento State, then followed it with a tackle for loss and pass breakup versus New Mexico State. Neal secured his first interception of the season against New Mexico while recording two tackles. He notched five tackles at UNLV and contributed three tackles, including a tackle for loss, against Washington State.
Neal maintained his presence on the field with single tackles against Nevada and two tackles along with an interception in the San Jose State matchup. Against Hawaii, he turned in one of his best performances with two tackles, a sack, and two pass breakups. He posted a season-best nine tackles at Air Force, had two stops against Colorado State, and ended the year with five tackles and a tackle for loss at UCLA.
2023 Season (Redshirt Sophomore):
Playing in 11 games, Neal registered nine tackles. He logged a tackle and a half tackle for loss against Nevada and posted two tackles, one for a loss, at San Diego State. In the New Mexico Bowl against New Mexico State, he recorded a season-high six tackles and a pass breakup.
2022 Season (Redshirt Freshman):
Neal saw action in three games, including one where he broke up a pass against New Mexico.
2021 Season (Freshman):
He appeared in four contests and redshirted, gaining experience in both the defensive backfield and on special teams.
High School Career:
At Mission High School in San Francisco, Neal displayed his athletic versatility by excelling as a wide receiver, defensive end, and defensive back. A three-star recruit, he earned All-City honors in both football and basketball. Ranked among California’s top athletes, he drew offers from San Jose State and Eastern Washington. Off the field, Neal made the honor roll and volunteered with local youth camps.
Personal Life:
Julian is the son of Emmett and Malka Neal. He has two siblings, Emmett Jr. and Jonny. His uncle, Aaron Criswell, played wide receiver for UNLV from 2013 to 2015.
—
Phillip Lee – Defensive Line
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 240 lbs
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
High School: First Coast HS
Previous School: Troy University
Defensive end Phillip Lee brings size, speed, and proven production to the Razorbacks after a standout stint with Troy. Known for his explosive play and backfield penetration, Lee will strengthen Arkansas’ defensive front.
2024 Season (Redshirt Junior):
Lee started 10 of Troy’s 12 games, amassing 31 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble. His five sacks led the team, while his 11 tackles for loss ranked second. He had an immediate impact, notching four tackles and a half TFL in the opener against Nevada. At Memphis, he recorded three tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, followed by a solo tackle for loss at Iowa. He got his first sack of the year versus Florida A&M.
Lee remained a disruptive presence throughout the season. He added four tackles and a tackle for loss against ULM, two tackles against Texas State, and 1.5 tackles for loss at South Alabama. He forced a fumble against Arkansas State, recorded a sack and five stops at Louisiana, and saved his best for the finale against Southern Miss, with a season-high seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.
2023 Season (Redshirt Sophomore):
Lee’s season was cut short due to injury after eight games. Still, he made 15 tackles, including three for loss and 1.5 sacks. He had four tackles in the opener vs. Stephen F. Austin and added two tackles—including a half tackle for loss—against James Madison. He notched a half sack against Western Kentucky and added tackles in games against Georgia State, Arkansas State, and Army.
2022 Season (Redshirt Freshman):
Appearing in all 14 games, Lee totaled seven tackles and one sack. He excelled on special teams, logging 174 snaps—third-most on the team—and was rated as Troy’s second-best special teams player by Pro Football Focus. His top performance came against Marshall, where he registered three tackles and a sack.
2021 Season (Freshman):
Lee redshirted his first year at Troy, using the season to develop his game.
High School Career:
At First Coast High School in Jacksonville, Lee had an outstanding prep career with 286 total tackles (240 solo), 57 sacks, and multiple blocked kicks. He was a two-time all-conference selection and helped his team advance to the second round of the Florida 7A playoffs. A consensus three-star recruit, Lee was ranked among the nation’s top 100 weakside defensive ends and was selected for the Georgia vs. Florida All-Star Game. He also lettered in basketball.
Personal Life:
Phillip Jacquan Lee was born on January 24, 2002, in Jacksonville. He is the son of Cytrice King and Phillip Lee.
—
With the additions of Neal and Lee, Arkansas is reloading with experienced playmakers on both the back end and in the trenches—two players who could make an immediate impact under new head coach John Calipari’s regime.
