Linebacker Derek McDonald announced Tuesday that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

One of the heartbeats of the Orange defense, McDonald arrived in Syracuse as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2021 after a decorated career at the Marist School in Atlanta.

Over four seasons in Syracuse, he played in 39 games with 173 tackles (seven for loss), 3 ½ sacks, one interception, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

This season, he played in just four games before suffering a season-ending hip injury and is expecting another season of eligibility as a medical redshirt.

He took a redshirt in the 2021 campaign.

The well-resected McDonald, 23, has been named to several Syracuse and Athletic Coast Conference academic lists.

He said in a post to Instagram on Tuesday what Syracuse has meant to him.

"As I close this chapter, I want to thank Syracuse University for an unforgettable five years. From day one, the Syracuse community welcomed me and made this place feel like home. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built, the memories I’ll carry, and the lessons that shaped me on and off the field.

“To my teammates, thank you for being my brothers. The bond we’ve built and the battles we’ve fought together mean everything to me. I’m proud of what we accomplished and honored to have shared it with you. Being part of this program’s growth has meant more to me than words can express. It’s been an honor to wear the Orange and represent something bigger than myself.

“A special thank you to Coach (Dino) Babers for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream and believing in me from the start. And thank you to Coach Fran (Brown) for the standards and value he’s instilled in me, lessons I’ll carry throughout my life.

“With that said, I will be entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. This was not an easy decision, but I’m excited for the next chapter and the chance to continue growing as both a player and a person.

“Syracuse will always be a part of who I am. Forever grateful.”

McDonald is the second linebacker – Caden Brown is the other – to state his intention to transfer when the portal opens next month. Also announcing their plans to enter the portal are running back Malachi Jones, defensive back Ibn McDaniels and defensive end Chase Simmons.

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