Top 5 Illinois football transfer quarterbacks of all time

No. 1 Jeff George

I think most people have already assumed this, but the No. 1 Illinois football transfer quarterback of all time has to go to Jeff George.

Coming out of Warren Central High School in Indiana, George would pick Purdue as his landing spot. This was a great get for the Boilermakers, as George was looked at as one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

George would spend one season with Purdue before their head coach would get fired. In steps a new coach, and George decided to hit the transfer portal.

After committing to the Miami Hurricanes, George would back away from that pledge and would later commit to Illinois. He would sit out the 1987 season due to transfer rules. After the 1987 season, Illinois head coach Mike White would resign due to recruiting violations. George would stick with his commitment to the program, though.

In steps new head coach, John Mackovic. George would thrive under Mackovic’s leadership. In his final year in Champaign, George would throw for 2,417 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Illinois would go 10-2 that year and would finish ranked No. 10 in the country.

George is the only Illinois football transfer quarterback to win a bowl game. He led Illinois to a 31-21 win over Virginia in the Citrus Bowl.

In both seasons with the Illini, George would make a bow game as well. He would also have a 66.7% winning percentage, which was the best out of all Illinois transfer quarterbacks. George’s 59.9% completion percentage was third-best as well. I put an emphasis on winning, and George was able to do that at the highest levels. That is why he is the best transfer quarterback in the history of the Illinois football program.