All-American linebacker Micah Davey announced on social media that he is transferring to Texas-El Paso Thursday afternoon. 

Davey entered the transfer portal after three seasons at McNeese State after last season. 

Davey leaves the same day freshman punter Finn Lappin announced he was transferring to Kansas. It comes a week after leading rusher Jo’shon Barbie flipped and picked Marshall after originally re-committing with McNeese. 

Davey’s departure is a blow to the Cowboys’ defense, which greatly improved last season despite their leading tackler missing a good portion of the season with injuries.

“Micah’s play spoke for itself,” said McNeese Chief of Staff Aaron Ingram. “He will be remembered in Lake Charles and the community. We wish him the best and he will always be Micah Davey fans.”

Davey earned All-Southland Conference second team honors despite the injuries last season. After a stellar sophomore year, he was a consensus All-American who saw him average just over 15 tackles a game. 

That earned him first-team honors on the SLC and Louisiana Sports Writers teams. Davey finished the 2023 campaign with 20 tackles against Houston Christian and 21 vs. Lamar.  

He was a preseason all-American pick this year. In three seasons with McNeese, Davey collected 311 tackles, 164 of them solo. He recorded 5.5 sacks, an interception, two fumble recovered, and three forced fumbles in 29 games.  

Davey also has one touchdown.