Illinois Football: 5 transfer portal quarterbacks on my wish list for the Illini

Sep 17, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on from the sideline against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on from the sideline against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 18, 2021; Carson, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) throws as San Diego State Aztecs defensive lineman Cameron Thomas (99) moves in during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Carson, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) throws as San Diego State Aztecs defensive lineman Cameron Thomas (99) moves in during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5. Charlie Brewer – Baylor, Utah – 6th Year

The final player on the most realistic transfer list is Charlie Brewer. While he has become a journeyman quarterback, Brewer has the experience Illinois would need for one season.

Brewer has had some good moments since entering the college ranks. He spent four years with Baylor and amassed 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He also had a completion rate of 63.5% with the Bears. These are mainly the numbers I am looking at for the Illini.

This past season, Brewer transferred into the Utah program where he didn’t get a chance to play much after getting benched early in the season. He threw for three touchdowns and three interceptions with the Utes while carrying a 60.8% completion percentage.

Brewer is now looking for a new home to finish his collegiate career. He has proven he can sling the ball around, and with one year left, Champaign might not be a bad option. The Illini don’t need a long-term solution. We need someone who can come in and give the program solid minutes. That someone could be Brewer.

The experience Brewer would bring to the table would help the current young Illini quarterbacks, and we can always use someone who has his type of numbers.