The regular season has wrapped, and for Illinois football, that means two things: a bowl game is on the horizon, and the transfer portal carousel is officially spinning.
Let’s start with the good news - Illinois is bowling. That’s becoming more of a norm than a novelty in Champaign, and that alone speaks volumes about the program’s growth under Bret Bielema. Illinois is no longer just hoping to be competitive; they’re establishing themselves as a consistent postseason presence.
But as we’ve come to expect in modern college football, the end of the regular season also kicks off transfer portal season - a time when rosters start to shift, and depth charts get reshaped. And Illinois didn’t have to wait long to feel the effects.
Just days after the season finale, quarterback Trey Petty has officially entered the transfer portal. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Petty, a former three-star recruit out of Starkville, Mississippi, was a big-time high school player. He earned 2023 Mississippi Class 7A Mr.
Football honors and was ranked as the No. 784 overall prospect in the 2024 class. He was also considered the 51st-best quarterback in the country and the 21st-ranked player in Mississippi.
His recruiting profile included offers from schools like Georgia Tech, Indiana, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State - so it’s clear the talent was there, and Illinois did well to land him.
But after two years in Champaign, Petty is looking for a new opportunity. And truthfully, this move makes sense for both sides.
Petty is a gifted athlete and a true dual-threat quarterback - the kind of player who can hurt defenses with both his legs and his arm. But Illinois’ current offensive identity under coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. leans more toward a traditional pocket passer.
The system favors quarterbacks who can stretch the field vertically and operate from the pocket with consistency. That’s not a knock on Petty - it’s just a stylistic mismatch.
Given the current makeup of the quarterback room and the direction of the offense, Petty’s path to meaningful playing time was likely blocked. With Luke Altmyer entrenched as the starter this season and other options waiting in the wings, the writing was on the wall. Petty’s decision to seek a fresh start is a smart one - and it opens the door for both him and Illinois to find better fits.
From Illinois’ perspective, the quarterback depth chart remains relatively stable. Ethan Hampton, who transferred in from Northern Illinois and has starting experience under his belt, is still listed as a junior. That gives the Illini a veteran presence heading into 2026.
And don’t overlook Carson Boyd. The redshirt freshman from St.
Louis is a name to watch. He came in with strong credentials and could very well be in the mix for the starting job next fall.
He’s got the tools - it’s just a matter of development and opportunity.
Of course, with Altmyer’s departure, there’s also a strong chance Illinois dips into the portal themselves in search of a quarterback. That’s become standard practice across the country, and Bielema has never been shy about using the portal to plug key holes. Whether it’s a seasoned transfer or a young player looking for a bigger stage, Illinois will have options.
As for Petty, he leaves Illinois without ever seeing significant game action, but that doesn’t mean his story is over. He’s still a talented quarterback with plenty of upside - especially in a system that better suits his dual-threat skill set. Wherever he lands, he’ll bring experience, athleticism, and a high football IQ.
Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs. And in this case, it feels like the right move for everyone involved.