As the Big Ten continues to evolve in both size and strength, the transfer portal has become a vital tool for programs looking to stay competitive-or take the next step. Yesterday, we broke down the most impactful portal additions for teams in the eastern half of the conference.
Today, we turn our attention west of Indiana, where 10 programs made moves they hope will pay off in a big way for the 2026 season. From quarterback upgrades to defensive reinforcements, here’s a closer look at the most significant new faces in the Big Ten West-and what they bring to the table.
Illinois: QB Katin Houser (East Carolina)
With Luke Altmyer out of eligibility and two backups hitting the portal, Illinois needed a quarterback-and fast.
Enter Katin Houser, who brings both experience and upside to Champaign. He’s no stranger to the Big Ten, having started his career at Michigan State, but it was at East Carolina where he really found his rhythm in 2025.
Houser threw for 3,300 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, showing poise, accuracy, and command in a pass-heavy offense. For a team that’s been searching for consistency under center, Houser could be the steadying force Illinois needs to stay competitive in a loaded conference.
Northwestern: QB Aidan Chiles (Michigan State)
Northwestern quietly put together a solid 2025 campaign, finishing above .500.
Now, they’re looking to level up-and they might’ve just done that with Aidan Chiles. The former Oregon State standout flashed serious potential early in his career but struggled to find his footing at Michigan State, eventually losing the starting job late last season.
Still, his career numbers-over 4,100 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 picks-show a quarterback with talent waiting to be unlocked. The real X-factor here?
The addition of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator and Jerry Neuheisel as quarterbacks coach. If anyone can tap into Chiles’ upside, it’s this duo.
Wisconsin: QB Colton Joseph (Old Dominion)
The Badgers went portal shopping again after last year’s attempt to find a starter didn’t quite pan out.
This time, they landed Colton Joseph, who had a monster season at Old Dominion in 2025. He threw for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns while also rushing for over 1,000 yards and adding 13 scores on the ground.
That kind of dual-threat ability is something Wisconsin hasn’t had in years, and it could be a game-changer for a program looking to modernize its offense. If Joseph can translate that production to the Big Ten stage, the Badgers could be a serious problem.
Iowa: DB Tyler Brown (James Madison)
Iowa has a long history of developing elite defensive backs, and Tyler Brown looks like the next in line.
The James Madison transfer brings versatility, toughness, and production to a Hawkeyes secondary that’s always hungry for playmakers. Brown racked up 80 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and six pass breakups last season.
His Pro Football Focus grades back it up too-an 80.1 in coverage and an elite 86.6 in tackling. In Phil Parker’s system, which thrives on disciplined, smart defenders, Brown could thrive as a movable chess piece in the back end.
Minnesota: DL Xion Chapman (FIU)
The Gophers made it clear this offseason: they want to win in the trenches.
Their biggest swing came with the addition of Xion Chapman, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive tackle who’s been on a steady rise through the college ranks. After starting at the Division II level, Chapman made the jump to DI last year and didn’t miss a beat, tallying 23 pressures and two sacks.
He’s disruptive, powerful, and still developing. For a Minnesota defense that needs more push up front, Chapman could be the anchor they’ve been missing.
Nebraska: QB Anthony Colandrea (UNLV)
Nebraska’s quarterback room went through some drama this offseason, but they may have found their guy in Anthony Colandrea.
The former UNLV standout beat out Michigan transfer Alex Orji for the job, and it’s easy to see why. Colandrea threw for 3,459 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2025, while adding 649 yards on the ground.
He was the Mountain West Player of the Year for a reason-he’s dynamic, confident, and can make plays all over the field. With a tough schedule ahead, Nebraska will be counting on him to lead the way.
If he hits the ground running, the Huskers could make some noise.
UCLA: RB Wayne Knight (James Madison)
New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney didn’t waste time putting his stamp on the roster, bringing in 44 transfers-including several from his former team at James Madison.
The one who stands out the most? Running back Wayne Knight.
At 5-foot-6 and 189 pounds, Knight may not be the biggest back, but he plays with serious juice. He led the Sun Belt with 1,357 rushing yards in 2025, added nearly 400 receiving yards, and was a weapon in the return game.
His 2,039 all-purpose yards set a school record, and he earned second-team All-American honors. Expect the Bruins to find creative ways to get the ball in his hands-early and often.
USC: DB Jontez Williams (Iowa State)
USC needed help in the secondary, and they may have found a solution in Iowa State cornerback Jontez Williams.
Before an ACL injury ended his 2025 season in October, Williams was putting together an elite campaign. He posted 46 tackles, five pass breakups, and four interceptions in 2024, and in limited action last year, earned standout PFF grades across the board-an 83.5 overall defensive grade, 84.5 in coverage, and 87.1 in tackling.
If he returns to form, Williams could be a lockdown presence in a Trojans defense that’s looking to tighten things up.
Oregon: DB Koi Perich (Minnesota)
Dan Lanning struck gold last year with Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman, and he may have done it again with Koi Perich.
The former Minnesota standout was the top safety in the portal and brings a complete skill set to Eugene. Perich racked up 128 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack during his time with the Gophers, with 82 of those tackles coming just last season.
He’s fast, instinctive, and has the kind of range that defensive coordinators dream about. While much of the buzz around Oregon centers on quarterback Dylan Raiola, Perich is the one who’s ready to make an immediate impact-and potentially boost his NFL Draft stock in the process.
Washington: DB Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia)
Washington’s pass defense was a weak spot in 2025, but help is on the way.
The Huskies added Virginia cornerback Emmanuel Karnley, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound defensive back who brings both length and experience. He played in all 14 games last season, starting 10, and finished with 26 tackles, eight pass breakups, and an interception.
With former Purdue head coach Ryan Walters now running the defense in Seattle, Karnley steps into a system that values physical corners who can disrupt timing and make plays. He’s a plug-and-play starter for a unit that badly needed reinforcements.
Final Thoughts
The Big Ten West may be undergoing a reshuffling of power, but one thing’s clear: these programs aren’t sitting still.
From experienced quarterbacks to high-upside defenders, the portal has given each of these teams a shot to improve in key areas. Whether it’s about chasing a division title or simply climbing out of the middle of the pack, these additions could be the difference-makers that shape the 2026 season.