Elias Neal is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. He played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd, where he became one of the most productive tacklers in program history. Neal went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft but signed with the Rams and earned a spot on their initial 53-man roster. Known for his versatility and football IQ, Neal brings solid size and instincts to the linebacker position in the Rams defensive scheme.
Elias Neal Bio
Elias Neal was born on September 11, 2001, in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended White Station High School in Memphis, where he played both running back and linebacker. As a senior, he recorded 750 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on offense while recording 95 tackles and two interceptions on defense. His dual-threat production in high school showcased the versatility that would define his collegiate career. Neal committed to play college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd as a two-star prospect, beginning his journey toward professional football.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Neal developed a passion for football at a young age. At White Station High School, he established himself as a two-way player, contributing significantly on both sides of the ball. His senior season statistics demonstrated his ability to make an impact whether carrying the ball or defending it. His performance earned him recognition as a prospect capable of playing at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Neal’s transition from high school to college football began when he committed to Marshall as a two-star recruit. He arrived at Marshall in 2019 with the goal of earning playing time at the linebacker position. After redshirting as a true freshman, Neal steadily developed into one of the Conference’s top defensive players over the following seasons. His progression from backup to starter to team leader exemplified his work ethic and dedication to the sport.
Elias Neal Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Neal appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2019, seeing action as a backup linebacker and on special teams. He finished the season with 12 tackles and 0.5 tackles-for-loss, gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level. In 2020, he started all 10 games and recorded 75 tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and an interception, earning honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition. His sophomore season established him as a reliable starter in the Thundering Herd defense.
Neal continued his development in 2021, opening the season with Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week honors following an 11-tackle, three-sack performance against Navy. He finished that year with 97 tackles, second on the team, along with seven TFLs and 5.5 sacks, earning another honorable mention all-conference selection. In 2022, he posted a team-leading 98 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and three sacks, earning honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference recognition. His consistent production made him a cornerstone of the Marshall defense.
For his final season in 2023, Neal served as a team leader and was Marshall’s leading tackler with 93 stops, adding 10.5 TFLs and two sacks. He was named a Group of Five All-American and a third-team All-Sun Belt selection. He ended his collegiate career having recorded 375 tackles, 32.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, five interceptions, and five fumble recoveries. His tackle total and TFL total both ranked in the top 20 in school history. He participated in the Hula Bowl all-star game following the season.
Los Angeles Rams Breakthrough (2024–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Neal signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. He impressed during the offseason and made the team’s initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season. He appeared in five games before being waived on October 21, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. Neal signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on January 20, 2025, securing his spot on the roster for the 2025 season.
On August 26, 2025, Neal was waived by the Rams as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Prior to the Rams’ Week 6 game at the Baltimore Ravens, Neal was elevated to the team’s active roster, providing depth at the linebacker position. On January 27, 2026, he signed another reserve/futures contract with Los Angeles, continuing his NFL journey with the organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Neal brings good size for the linebacker position at 6 feet 0 inches and 221 pounds. He displays good instincts and quick diagnosis of plays, allowing him to flow to the ball effectively. His tackling technique is sound, and he wraps up securely when making contact. Neal shows ability to pursue quarterbacks on blitzes and track running backs through traffic. His experience playing multiple positions in college has developed his football IQ and adaptability to different defensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Neal’s most significant milestone came when he earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2021 following his standout performance against Navy. At Marshall, he finished among the top 20 all-time in program history in both tackles and tackles for loss. His third-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2023 represented his highest collegiate honor. Making the Rams’ initial 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2024 marked his entry into professional football.
Elias Neal Career Wins
Neal’s collegiate career produced consistent statistical production across five seasons with the Marshall Thundering Herd. His durability and reliability allowed him to accumulate impressive career totals while earning multiple all-conference recognitions.
Marshall Thundering Herd Highlights
Over his five seasons at Marshall from 2019 to 2023, Neal appeared in 56 games and made 48 starts. He accumulated 375 career tackles, ranking among the top 20 in program history. He also recorded 32.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, demonstrating his ability to affect opposing quarterbacks and disrupt running plays. His five career interceptions showcased his versatility in pass coverage. In 2023, he was named a Group of Five All-American and third-team All-Sun Belt Conference, the highest honors of his collegiate career.
Other Honors and Recognition
Throughout his collegiate career, Neal earned multiple all-conference recognitions. He was named honorable mention All-Conference USA in both 2020 and 2021. He also earned honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference recognition in 2022. His standout game came early in the 2021 season when he earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 11 tackles and three sacks against Navy. He concluded his college career by participating in the Hula Bowl all-star game.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented Neal with opportunities to establish himself within the Rams organization. After being waived during final roster cuts in August, he re-joined the practice squad, demonstrating his value to the coaching staff. His elevation to the active roster ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens provided him with regular-season NFL experience. Working within the Rams defensive system under their coaching staff, Neal continued developing his skills and adapting to professional-level competition. His consistency and preparation positioned him for future opportunities with the organization heading into the 2026 season.