Illinois Football Enters Bowl Prep With Big Questions-and a Quarterback Search That Could Define 2026
As Illinois football gears up for bowl season, the focus isn’t just on the final game of 2025-it’s on what comes next. After back-to-back winning seasons under Bret Bielema, the Illini are staring down an offseason loaded with transition.
And at the heart of it all? A looming quarterback question and major turnover at the three most critical spots on the field.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer, left tackle JC Davis, and edge rusher Gabe Jacas-three pillars of this recent run of success-are all moving on. That’s a seismic shift for a team that’s leaned heavily on its offensive firepower to stay competitive, especially when the defense struggled to hold the line.
Let’s start with Altmyer. Over three years, he didn’t just play quarterback-he helped redefine what success looks like in Champaign.
His leadership, poise, and playmaking ability elevated the program to one of its most consistent stretches in recent memory. And now, as he says goodbye with one final game in SEC territory, Illinois is left to figure out how to keep the engine running without its most important piece.
The Quarterback Conundrum
With Altmyer gone, the Illini are facing a fork in the road at the game’s most important position. The long-term outlook has promise-Utah standout Kamden Lopati has given a verbal commitment, and that’s no small win for offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. and quarterback coach Art Sitkowski.
Lopati is a high-ceiling talent who’s locked in on Illinois, not entertaining other schools. That kind of early commitment gives the Illini a potential star to build around.
But Lopati is a future piece. The 2026 season is going to require a quarterback ready to go now.
That brings us to the two names currently in the mix: NIU transfer Ethan Hampton and true freshman Carson Boyd.
Hampton brings experience, but he’s more of a steady hand than a game-changer. He doesn’t have the physical tools or recruiting pedigree of recent Illini starters like Brandon Peters, Tommy DeVito, or Altmyer. If he’s the guy in 2026, he’s likely a bridge rather than a breakout.
Boyd, on the other hand, is intriguing. A product of Cardinal Ritter in Missouri, he’s got toughness and a solid skill set, even if he doesn’t wow you with measurables. He’s a developmental prospect, and ideally, Illinois won’t have to rush him into action before he’s ready.
Portal Season Is Here
So what’s the move? The transfer portal, of course.
Illinois is casting a wide net, and one name that’s surfaced is Harvard quarterback Jaden Craig. Yes, Ivy League.
Yes, Economics degree. But don’t let the academic pedigree fool you-Craig can play.
He’s productive, experienced, and has a year of eligibility left. He’s also drawn attention from several Power Four programs, so landing him won’t be easy.
Still, Craig checks a lot of boxes. He’s a proven starter with NFL traits, and he’d be walking into a situation that’s quietly loaded with offensive talent.
Weapons Won’t Be the Problem
Whoever ends up under center in 2026 won’t be short on targets.
Illinois is expected to return a deep and diverse receiving corps, including Justin Bowick, Hudson Clement, Collin Dixon, Brayden Trimble, and Ashton Hollins. That’s a group with speed, size, and experience-exactly what you want when breaking in a new quarterback.
The backfield is just as promising. Ca’Lil Valentine, Aidan Laughery, and Kaden Feagin give Illinois a trio of backs who can handle the load and create explosive plays. There’s enough versatility here to build an offense that doesn’t have to lean too heavily on any one player.
Rebuilding the Trenches
The bigger concern lies up front. The offensive line is losing four starters, and the one returning piece-Brandon Henderson-might be more of a versatile depth option than a locked-in starter. That makes this bowl prep period critical for evaluating younger linemen like Ayden and Nathan Knapik, Zafir Stewart, and potential 2025 contributors Brandon Hansen and TJ McMillen.
If Illinois can find a few answers in the trenches, the offense has a chance to stay afloat-even with a new face at quarterback.
The Market Is Heating Up
Make no mistake: Illinois isn’t the only team shopping for a quarterback. The transfer market is stacked with talent, and the competition is fierce. Names like Josh Hoover, Brendan Sorsby, DJ Lagway, and Sam Leavitt are all in play, and every one of them could shift the landscape for 2026.
For Illinois, the key will be finding the right fit-someone who can mesh with the offensive personnel, manage the game, and give the Illini a chance to keep building on their recent success.
What Comes Next
This offseason is going to test Illinois in ways it hasn’t been tested under Bielema. The program has momentum, but it’s also facing real attrition. The quarterback decision is the headliner, but depth across the offensive line and continued development on defense will be just as important.
The good news? The foundation is there.
The Illini have recruited well, developed talent, and built a locker room culture that’s resilient. But this next stretch-starting with bowl prep and moving into portal season-will go a long way in determining whether Illinois can keep climbing or if 2026 ends up being a reset year.
One thing is clear: the next quarterback of Illinois football won’t just be filling big shoes. He’ll be carrying the weight of a program trying to prove it belongs among the Big Ten’s rising contenders.