LB Derek McDonald plans to enter transfer portal
Syracuse linebacker Derek McDonald plans to enter the transfer portal, he wrote on social media Tuesday. Jacob Halsema | Staff Photographer
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Syracuse linebacker Derek McDonald plans to enter the transfer portal, he wrote on social media Tuesday. McDonald played five years for the Orange and has one year of eligibility remaining.
Thank You Syracuse 🧡 pic.twitter.com/pVvWiIf675
— Derek McDonald (@derekmcd21) December 9, 2025
As one of the longest-tenured players on SU’s roster, he was originally recruited out of the 2021 class by Dino Babers’ staff. The Atlanta, Georgia, native became a starter in his redshirt freshman season and a key player throughout his career. He finished third on the team in total tackles in 2023 and fifth in 2024.
McDonald’s 2025 season was derailed by a season-ending hip injury, thrusting true freshman Antoine Deslauriers into action. The Orange recently fired linebackers coach Robert Wright after two years with the program, and are likely headed for a reset at the position outside of Deslauriers and Gary Bryant III.
His tallies at the end of his SU career include 173 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception. Per Pro Football Focus, McDonald played 1,469 snaps for the Orange across his four years.
