Indiana Wide Receiver Donaven McCulley Enters Transfer Portal

Donaven McCulley developed into Indiana's top wide receiver in 2023, but he has entered the transfer portal.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Donaven McCulley had a breakout season for Indiana in 2023, but he announce Monday his decision to enter the transfer portal with one year of remaining eligibility.

When McCulley committed to Indiana, he was viewed as the Hoosiers' quarterback of the future. As the nation's 223rd-ranked player and 24th-ranked quarterback out of Lawrence North High School, McCulley became the highest-ranked quarterback to ever commit to Indiana. 

During his true freshman season in 2021, Indiana originally hoped to redshirt McCulley. But due to injuries to quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Jack Tuttle, McCulley was thrust into the starting job during his first year of college football.

In four starts and seven total games, McCulley completed 35-of-85 passes for 475 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran the ball 64 times for 135 yards and two touchdowns. 

Heading into the 2022 season, instead of competing for the starting quarterback job, McCulley approached former head coach Tom Allen with a desire to move to wide receiver. Working with former wide receivers coach Adam Henry in 2022, McCulley made the switch.

At first, McCulley used his 6-foot-5 frame, long arms and rare athleticism to beat defenders. He was admittedly unpolished as a route runner, and didn't know all of the intricacies of the position. Still, he caught 16 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown, also rushing for a score.

After one season as a receiver, McCulley slimmed down and focused on becoming faster. Working with new wide receivers coach Anthony Tucker, McCulley discussed improving his releases off the line of scrimmage, polishing his routes, improving as a perimeter blocker, and having a better understanding of the offense.

No longer just an imposing athlete, McCulley developed into a legitimate go-to wide receiver in the Big Ten. He led Indiana with 48 receptions, 644 yards and six touchdowns. He even showed off his prior quarterback skills against Michigan, completing a 44-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Lucas on a trick play. 

McCulley posted career-high numbers against Illinois, hauling in 11 receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while also drawing four pass interference penalties. Perhaps his most impressive catch of the season came in a win over Wisconsin, when he made a one-handed snag for a touchdown.

ONE-HANDED. 😳@IndianaFootball tacks on 6 more with this sensational catch from Donaven McCulley.

📺: BTN pic.twitter.com/R1IMe6Ar5X

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 4, 2023

Unless the new Indiana coaching staff can convince him to return to Bloomington, McCulley will be a hot commodity in the transfer portal.

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