Illinois football has its next quarterback. East Carolina transfer Katin Houser has committed to the Illini, and while this may not be the flashiest portal move, it’s a highly intentional one. In today’s episode, I break down why Houser was Illinois’ top priority, what he brings on the field, how he compares stylistically to Luke Altmyer, and what this means for the short- and long-term future of the QB room. We’ll talk production, Big Ten fit, strengths, concerns, NIL context, and how this commitment fits Illinois’ broader retooling strategy under Bret Bielema. Is Houser the answer for 2026 — or the bridge to what’s next?

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