Just when things looked like they might quiet down, the NCAA transfer portal turned up the heat again. This time, it’s a three-time All-American who’s officially looking for a new home. Lachlan McNeil’s decision to enter the portal for his final year of eligibility didn’t just rattle Tar Heel Nation—it sent a ripple through every wrestling program hoping to make a national title run in 2026. He’s got suitors lining up… and fans lighting up message boards, connecting the dots straight to Iowa.
After finishing fifth in the 149 lbs weight class at the NCAA Championships and wrapping up a 25-7 campaign, McNeil locked in his third straight All-American nod—this time at a brand-new weight class. The Canadian standout had previously earned podium finishes at 141 lbs, but now he’s proven he can thrive even after making changes.
UNC’s 3x All-American Lachlan McNeil, who finished 5th at NCAA’s this year is hitting the portal for his final year of eligibility. pic.twitter.com/CP6tIBMwVD
— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) March 25, 2025
His departure from North Carolina adds another twist to a program that’s already dealt with inconsistency across weight classes. Despite falling to Penn State’s Shayne Van Ness in the quarterfinals, McNeil bounced back strong in the consolation semis, notching two gritty wins to cap off his run in Philly.
And while UNC has kept a seven-year All-American streak alive, the reality is clear: Lachlan McNeil was one of their brightest stars. Losing him leaves a serious hole. But more than that, it gives teams like Iowa, Oklahoma State, and others a reason to get their checkbooks ready.
Fan frenzy as Iowa gets pulled into the Lachlan McNeil transfer drama
It didn’t take long for Hawkeye Nation to throw their hats in the ring—or their hot takes on the timeline. The moment Lachlan McNeil’s name hit the portal, Iowa fans were already putting him in black and gold. “Someone at Iowa needs recruited over,” one fan wrote, clearly eyeing a lineup reshuffle with McNeil in mind.
Another jabbed, “Instead of Iowa poaching ASU this year, they’re gonna take Moore and McNeil.” That shot at Iowa’s aggressive portal behavior last season was loud and clear.
Then came the heat. “Iowa needs another 24–25-year-old that’ll get injured and mff out,” someone posted, poking at the frustration with transfers not always living up to the hype—or staying healthy. And while the system itself caught some strays, the focus remained locked on where Lachlan McNeil might land.
Some fans pushed back against the portal circus altogether. “This is an embarrassment for the sport. Guys treating college like free agency is a total joke,” one comment read, expressing the kind of purist take that’s becoming more common in the NIL era. The fact that McNeil is Canadian and technically ineligible for NIL deals only added more fuel to the ‘how’s this all going to work?’ conversation.
Still, others brought a level-headed view: “Well dang… don’t want to see Lachlan go, but I’ll never blame anybody for doing what they feel is best for them.” Even amid the chaos, there’s respect for McNeil’s journey—and an understanding that a guy with his résumé deserves a chance to chase a national title somewhere new.
With millions already pumped into Iowa’s program—facilities, NIL, recruiting, the works—it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them make a hard push for McNeil. This isn’t just another solid transfer; this is a game-changer for any title-hungry team. So while Lachlan McNeil weighs his options, one thing’s clear: the wrestling world’s watching. And if Iowa’s recent track record is any clue, they’re probably already working the phones.
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