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

5. Graham Mertz

This one might open some Illinois fans’ eyes a little bit, but when you have a solid quarterback on the market, you have to approach that solid quarterback. I think Illinois would be smart to go after Wisconsin transfer, Graham Mertz.

Mertz was one of the best quarterbacks coming out of high school. He was a four-star recruit who was the No. 65 player in the class of 2019. Everyone in the country wanted this kid, but somehow, the Badgers ended up landing him.

The career of Metz has been interesting. His first career start for Wisconsin actually came against Illinois. It was the best game so far at the college level, as Mertz would throw for 248 yards and five touchdowns in the 45-7 route.

Overall, Mertz has seemed to have improved year-over-year. He had his best season with Wisconsin in 2022, as he threw for 2,136 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

It would make sense for Illinois to pursue Mertz in the transfer portal. Bret Bielema knows Mertz as a quarterback. He was able to coach against him for the past two seasons. So, he knows what this kid can do behind center.

I also believe that Mertz would thrive in a simple, run-first, offense that Illinois implements. With a great defense behind him and a solid running game, this kid could have his best season yet as a member of the Illini.