One of the most productive linebackers at the NCAA Division I FCS level has entered the transfer portal.
Former Ankeny standout Ryan Crandall, who led Western Illinois with 91 tackles this season while helping the Leathernecks to a 4-8 record, announced on Monday that he is seeking a new home.
“Thank you Western Illinois University for the opportunity to play for the past 3 years,” Crandall tweeted on X. “I want to thank my teammates and coaches who have supported me throughout this journey. After much consideration, I will be entering the transfer portal with 1 year of eligibility (with redshirt). I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Crandall started 26 games in three years and made 186 tackles, including 20 for losses and two sacks. He also intercepted two passes, forced two fumbles and broke up six passes.
Crandall was named to the Phil Steele all-Missouri Valley Conference fifth team after making 66 tackles in 2023. He played in all 11 games as Western Illinois went winless for the second straight year.
Crandall was named to the 2024 Phil Steele/Draftscout.com Preseason all-Big South-OVC second team last summer. He then played a key role under new head coach Joe Davis this fall as the Leathernecks won as many games as the previous five seasons combined.
Crandall had a team-high 14 tackles in Western Illinois’ 49-32 win over McKendree on Sept. 28. The victory snapped the Leathernecks’ 27-game losing streak dating back to 2021.
Crandall played his final game for Western Illinois on Nov. 23, when he made eight tackles in a 45-28 win over Gardner-Webb.