Illinois football transfer portal tracker: who is joining & leaving the Illini

(WAND) - The transfer portal is officially open and Illinois football has been active in both players leaving and players joining the program via the portal. 

WAND Sports will continue to update this list as announcements are made. The deadline to enter the portal is Jan. 16, 2026. 

Below is a list of players that Illinois has acquired from the portal via Illinois football X page. (new additions marked with *) 

* Long Snapper Zach Haber coming from Arkansas

Offensive Tackle Christian Martin coming from Colorado State

Wide Receiver Jayshon Platt coming from Florida Atlantic University

Center Jake Renfro coming from Wisconsin

Maurice Smith Jr. coming from Chowan University

Defensive Lineman Carter Janki coming from Penn

Safety Lavon Williams coming from East Texas A&M

Quarterback Katin Houser coming from East Carolina

Below is a list of players that have entered the portal via player social media accounts or 247sports. 

Tight End Cole Rusk who has committed to Arizona

Corner Back Kaleb Patterson who has committed to Kansas State 

Kicker David Olano who has committed to Texas A&M

Defensive Lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye according to 247sports

Defensive Lineman Curt Neal according to 247sports

Defensive Lineman Eli Coenen according to 247sports

Wide Reciever Ashton Hollins according to his X page

Wide Reciever Justin Bowick according to 247sports

Safety Tyson Rooks who has committed to FAU

Linebacker Malachi Hood according to his X page

Linebacker Jojo Hayden according to his X page

Offensive Tackle Kellen Francis who has committed to to Southern Illinois Carbondale

Defensive Lineman Jeremiah Warren according to his X page

Quarterback Trey Petty according to his X page

Quarterback Ethan Hampton according to his X page

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