Illinois Football Faces a Pivotal Quarterback Decision as Transfer Portal Window Nears
Just weeks removed from the end of the 2025 season, Illinois football is already deep into preparations for 2026 - and with the new NCAA transfer portal rules in play, the next two weeks could shape the future of Bret Bielema’s program in a big way.
Starting January 2, the transfer portal opens for a two-week window. That’s it.
No second chance in April. For a program like Illinois - one that’s leaned heavily on the portal in recent years - this short window is now the most important stretch of the offseason.
And to Bielema’s credit, he’s been ahead of the curve. Since arriving in Champaign, he’s embraced the portal, using it as a key tool to elevate the program into a consistent Big Ten contender.
The results speak for themselves: three seasons with eight or more wins, including a 10-win campaign that stands as one of the best in school history. And at the heart of that success?
Transfer quarterbacks.
From Tommy DeVito to Luke Altmyer, Illinois has built its recent identity around experienced, portal-savvy signal-callers. DeVito helped spark the Illini’s first eight-win season in this run, and Altmyer followed that up with back-to-back strong years, racking up 18 wins and giving the program a steady presence under center.
But as we look ahead to 2026, that proven formula might be coming to a crossroads.
The Transfer Portal Market Is Unclear - For Now
Right now, the quarterback market in the portal isn’t exactly overflowing with obvious fits. That could change - bowl season tends to shake loose a few names - but at the moment, Illinois doesn’t appear to have a clear target to continue its transfer QB streak.
That puts the spotlight on the current roster, where the Illini may have to break from recent tradition and turn to a homegrown option. It’s not a move without risk, but it might also be one that sets the stage for a new era.
One name already in the mix is Ethan Hampton, who transferred in last year after starting his career at Northern Illinois. He served as the backup in 2026, but the jury’s still out on whether he’s the guy who can take Illinois from competitive to elite.
His last season as a starter saw him post 1,600 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions - decent numbers, but not the kind that scream “Big Ten Playoff contender.” The leap from MAC to Big Ten play is a big one, and Hampton would need to show real growth to seize the job.
A Youth Movement Under Center?
With Trey Petty entering the portal himself, Illinois’ quarterback room has thinned out. That leaves two intriguing young options: Jershaun Newton and Carson Boyd.
Newton, the younger brother of former Illini star Jer’Zhan Newton, was a three-star recruit in the 2025 class and redshirted his freshman season. He’s a bit of a mystery box right now - talented, yes, but unproven at the college level.
Boyd, on the other hand, brings a little more buzz. The former three-star recruit out of Cardinal Ritter College Prep in St.
Louis has the kind of dual-threat skill set that fits perfectly in Barry Lunney Jr.’s offense. If Illinois decides to go the developmental route, Boyd might be the most exciting option on the board.
His high school numbers are eye-popping: over 6,600 passing yards, 78 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions across three seasons. And he wasn’t just doing it through the air - Boyd also rushed for 1,162 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior. That kind of versatility could give Illinois a dynamic new dimension offensively, especially with Lunney having already shown a willingness to use quarterback mobility with Altmyer.
What’s Next?
There’s no doubt that rolling with a young, unproven quarterback - whether it’s Boyd, Newton, or even Hampton - would represent a shift for Illinois. It’s a gamble, especially when the recent formula has worked so well. But it’s also a chance to develop a long-term answer at the most important position on the field.
Still, the portal window is just opening, and things can change quickly. A late entry could offer Illinois another experienced option, and if the right name emerges, Bielema has shown he’s not afraid to pounce.
But one thing’s clear: Illinois won’t go shopping just for the sake of it. If the staff doesn’t see a quarterback who can truly elevate the program, they may choose to ride with the talent already in the building.
It’s a high-stakes decision, but one that reflects where Illinois football is right now - not just looking to stay competitive, but to take the next step. Whether that path runs through the portal or starts with a new face from within, the next few weeks will be critical in charting the course for 2026.