Overview
- On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported that East Carolina starter Katin Houser has committed to the Fighting Illini after two seasons with the Pirates.
- Houser began his career at Michigan State, appearing in 13 games in 2022 and 2023 before transferring following the coaching change to Jonathan Smith.
- In 2025, he completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,300 yards with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions, added nine rushing scores, and helped ECU secure a second straight bowl win.
- Illinois is heavily retooling through the portal with roughly 25 transfers and has also brought in quarterback Maurice Smith after Luke Altmyer exhausted his eligibility.
- Illinois is slated to visit Michigan State in 2026, creating a potential reunion for Houser with his former team, and he has one year of eligibility remaining according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.