For the sixth consecutive year at Illinois under Bret Bielema, Illinois will likely have a starting quarterback that they’ve acquired from the transfer portal when they open the 2026 season.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
January 4, 2026
(Cover photo courtesy East Carolina University Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For the sixth time since Bret Bielema took over the football program at the University of Illinois, a transfer quarterback from a Football Bowl Subdivision program has verbally committed to making the move to Champaign-Urbana.
Former East Carolina two-year starting quarterback Katin Houser officially signed a contract to . . .
Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article
- One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
- Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
- Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
- Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
- Video breakdowns and game analysis
- Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere