Pay-It-Forward Recruiting From Altmyer Family Leads Katin Houser to Illini

Houser remains critical of himself despite four-touchdown performance in Illinois debut Thursday in 42-23 win over Alabama-Birmingham.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

September 8, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN — In selling his vision Katin Houser toward Illinois out of the transfer portal, Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. was put in a position to recruit against his alma mater where Lunney Jr. played and coached. Turns out, he had some help in this endeavor.

While at the 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago on July 28, Houser said he . . .

 

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