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Illinois Football: Top 5 Illini quarterbacks of the 2010s

By Jalen Wilson

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 31: Nathan Scheelhaase #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini smiles after they beat the UCLA Bruins in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on December 31, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 31: Nathan Scheelhaase #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini smiles after they beat the UCLA Bruins in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on December 31, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Brandon Peters (18) throws the football against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Brandon Peters (18) throws the football against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Brandon Peters

The No. 3 quarterback on this list currently plays for Illinois. Brandon Peters has played two seasons in Champaign but only one came in the 2010s.

During Lovie Smith’s tenure as the Illini head coach, he recruited the transfers well. Peters was one of those transfers. He originally started his career as a Michigan Wolverine before transferring in to play for the Illinois football team. When Peters was with the Wolverines, he passed for a total of 676 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Landing Peters was a huge addition after AJ Bush left the program. Illinois was uncertain about who was going to be the starting quarterback for the 2019 season. I honestly wasn’t expecting Peters to come in and do anything special, but he proved me wrong.

Peters’ first year in Champaign was good. He passed for 1884 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Many people thought he was a statue in the pocket, but he showed he wasn’t. He was able to rush for 213 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Peters helped lead Illinois to a 6-6 record. He also led Illinois to an upset win over Wisconsin and a comeback win over Michigan State. With Peters under center, Illinois got to the Redbox Bowl where they would end up losing to Cal.

Having Peters at quarterback has its ups and downs. He struggled last year but can bounce back in his third season with Illinois. Hopefully, Peters can stay healthy and make a big impact for the Illinois football team in his last season.

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