College football's transfer portal is a whirlwind, and for Illini fans, it can feel like watching your favorite players pack their bags. But it's also a chance to reload and rebuild. Who's heading out of Champaign this offseason?
Illini Inquirer is tracking all the Fighting Illini players who have publicly announced their intention to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Get ready for some roster changes!
We're entering transfer portal season, and the Illinois football program is expected to be very active. This goes both ways: expect to see players leaving and new talent arriving via the portal. Think of it as a college football free agency, but with a few unique twists.
Coming off a successful eight-win regular season, the Illini are facing a significant roster turnover, losing key starters at crucial positions. To stay competitive in the new world of revenue sharing and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, Illinois will be aggressively using the transfer portal to retool their roster. And this is the part most people miss... that increased activity also means we'll likely see more players, especially those lower on the depth chart, seeking new opportunities elsewhere during January.
Here's what you need to know about the transfer portal rules: The NCAA has streamlined the transfer process, establishing a primary transfer window from January 2nd to 16th. During this period, players must officially enter their names into the portal if they want to transfer for the following season. But here's where it gets controversial... players don't have to commit to a new school during this specific window. They simply need to declare their intention to transfer within those two weeks. Of course, most players will want to find a new team quickly to participate in winter workouts and spring practices, which usually coincide with the start of the spring semester at their new university. You see, timing is very important for these athletes and their careers.
It's important to note that players can (and often do) announce their intent to transfer before the official window opens on January 2nd. For example, Illinois wide receiver Malik Elzy announced his decision to transfer way back in September. This allows players to get a head start on exploring their options and connecting with potential new schools.
Also, unlike in previous years, there is no spring transfer portal window this year. This makes the January window even more critical for players considering a change of scenery. And this is the part most people miss...
Coaching Change Exception: There's one major exception to the January window. Players at programs that undergo a coaching change after January 2nd will have a five-day window to enter the transfer portal, starting from the date the new coach is officially hired. This provides some flexibility for players who may not fit into the new coach's vision for the team. This rule exists to protect athletes who may be negatively impacted by a sudden shift in leadership.
Now, let's get to the list! Illini Inquirer is compiling a comprehensive list of players who are transferring out of the Illinois football program. We'll keep this updated as more announcements are made.
Players Leaving the Program (Updated Regularly):
Trey Petty, Quarterback
- Years of eligibility remaining: 3
- Stats to know: Petty didn't see any game action during his two years with the Illini and was often not in uniform on game days during the 2025 season. This suggests he was struggling to climb the depth chart.
- High school ranking: Petty was a highly-regarded recruit coming out of high school, ranked as the No. 784 player nationally in the Class of 2024 and the No. 51-ranked quarterback. He chose Illinois over offers from several Power Four programs, including Georgia Tech, Indiana, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. This shows the potential he possessed and the competition Illinois faced to land him.
- What it means: Landing Petty was seen as a positive recruiting win for Illinois, raising the overall talent level in the quarterback room. However, the Illini continued to recruit quarterbacks aggressively. Freshman Carson Boyd surpassed Petty on the depth chart during the spring, and Illinois is also bringing in 2026 quarterback Michael Clayton. With limited opportunities in Champaign, Petty should have a good chance to find a program where he can showcase his skills as a dual-threat quarterback. He's a talented player who simply needs a chance to prove himself. It's worth noting that, as of now, Petty's transfer was first reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel, a reliable source for college football news.
Malik Elzy, Wide Receiver
- Years of eligibility remaining: 2
- Stats to know: In four games this season, Elzy recorded a career-high seven receptions for a career-high 84 yards. While these numbers aren't eye-popping, they demonstrate his potential to contribute.
- High school ranking: Elzy, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior, was a highly-rated four-star prospect out of Chicago Simeon and the No. 229-ranked player in the Class of 2023. He initially committed to Cincinnati but flipped his commitment to Illinois, choosing the Illini over a host of other Power Four offers. This highlights his talent and the level of interest he generated from top programs.
- What it means: Elzy offered Illinois a physical presence at the wide receiver position. However, he was a fringe player in the rotation before leaving the team in September. Illinois is expected to return starters Justin Bowick, Hudson Clement, and Collin Dixon, and the coaching staff has also been impressed with freshman Brayden Trimble. Elzy's departure opens up opportunities for other young receivers to step up. However, Elzy's departure does leave a hole in terms of physical presence at the receiver position.
What do you think about these players leaving the program? Do you agree with their decisions, or do you think they should have stayed and fought for playing time? How do you feel about the transfer portal's impact on college football? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
