Illinois suffered its toughest loss yet.

According to a report from the News-Gazette, two-year starting linebacker T.J. Neal will transfer for his final season to be closer to home.

Neal confirmed that report later with this tweet:

As a graduate transfer, Neal will be eligible to play immediately.

“He’s graduating and he was talking about playing closer to home,” Illinois coach Bill Cubit told the News-Gazette. “That’s what he’s going to do. He’s a good kid and I respect his feelings about what he wants to do. I wish him all the luck.”

It would make sense for the Pennsylvania native to reunite with former Illini co-defensive coordinator Tim Banks, who left for Penn State. But Cubit reportedly blocked B1G schools and Illinois opponents from Neal’s transfer options.

The All-B1G honorable mention linebacker finished second on the team with 109 tackles. Neal could’ve been a possible preseason All-B1G linebacker, but more important for the Illini, it means another loss to a young defense.

Neal’s transfer means that the team will be without six of its top seven tacklers from 2015. And yesterday, a reported six Illini seniors announced their plans to transfer for the 2016 season.