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Illinois Football: Top 5 transfer portal quarterbacks for the Illini 1.0

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2022; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Brennan Armstrong (5) attempts a pass against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Brennan Armstrong (5) attempts a pass against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Brennan Armstrong

Sometimes bad seasons just happen. When there is a massive coaching overhaul, a quarterback might struggle with a new system. That is why I believe happened with Brennan Armstrong.

Armstrong was a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 619 player in the class of 2018 coming out of Shelby High School in Ohio. He had numerous teams wanting him to come play quarterback, but Armstrong would end up choosing Virginia.

The legend of Armstrong grew while with the Cavaliers. In 2020, he was sensational putting up 2,117 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The following season, the lefty took another step forward in his career. He would end up dominating Illinois 42-14 en route to a 2021 campaign that saw him throw for 4,449 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

That 2021 season is what I am looking at for Armstrong. After that year, there was a coaching staff overhaul, and this hurt Armstrong in 2022. I think a new change of scenery and an offensive playbook that is fairly simple would help him tremendously.

Armstrong has one season to show the world what he has on the college level, and I think Illinois could be a great landing spot. We were able to resurrect Tommy DeVito’s career, and I think Armstrong could end up having a similar path. Plus, we know there is a ton of arm talent with Armstrong. I saw him dismantle us a couple of years back. He still has that in him.

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