Farmington could hold the key to the future of Illinois football

Bret Bielema came into the Illinois football program in late 2020 and wanted to win.

The quickest way to accomplish this goal was through the transfer portal. The Illini have leaned on the transfer portal greatly for numerous positions, and quarterback has been no exception.

Illinois’ transfer portal quarterback success has been fruitful, snagging two NFL quarterbacks. This has led to a streak of winning in Champaign that has rarely been seen.

Now that the program is more settled into winning ways, younger quarterbacks could be the trend of the future. One of those young gunslingers could be right under Bielema’s nose.

Carson Noy is entering his sophomore campaign with the Farmington Farmers. Thrust into the starting role as a freshman in 2025, Noy blew past any expectations with his 2,206 yards, 27 touchdowns, and nine interceptions through the air.

Farmington would go on to shock the world, finishing the season 11-1 overall and 7-0 in the Lincoln Trail-Prairieland Conference. As a freshman, he also earned first-team all-conference honors while getting his Farmers' program to the Elite 8 of the Illinois 2A State Championship.

While Noy could sit back and admire his great work in year one of high school, he is more focused on being a leader and what he can bring to his team to get even further in year two.

“I’ve been working on being more of a leader on and off the field. Being a role model for people who are underclassmen, and just perfecting my craft and trying to be the best I can be for my team.”

With such impressive numbers as a freshman comes more expectations to continue to perform well. Noy isn’t shying away from the spotlight, though.

“My personal goals are to beat all the single-season records at my school. My team goals are to obviously win state and prove that we are always a contender, even with all of the young talent we have this year.”

Illinois football is only in the beginning stages of evaluating the potential of Carson Noy

It isn’t a far jaunt between Farmington and Champaign. A quick hop onto I-74, and in less than two hours, you have arrived.

That short distance makes life a lot easier for Illinois coaches to recruit someone like Noy. It also makes it nice for the now-sophomore to see what the Orange and Blue are all about.

Noy actually attended a camp at Illinois this summer.

“I did talk to one of the Illinois coaches, and he really seemed to like everything I have to offer and said he would be on the lookout for me next season.”

Noy is a unique player on and off the field. You see most players modeling their games after certain college quarterbacks, or they may have a favorite team that they grew up rooting for.

That isn’t the case with this Farmer. Noy is about one thing, and one thing only. Being a quarterback.

“I never really watched a certain college-level team. I just really like watching the good quarterbacks, studying them, and seeing what they do.”

Noy has his focus on being the best quarterback he can be. Entering his sophomore year at Farmington, he doesn’t just have the arm skills to help guide the program. Noy’s mentality toward the game is what will help set him apart.

“I think my composure is what separates me. I don’t get nervous like the rest. When everyone’s heart is racing, I am cool and relaxed, and helping my teammates stay calm so we can be at our best for the moment.”

There is still a year or two before Noy likely gets serious about recruiting. He has a legacy to leave at Farmington, one that has started with a bang.

For the Illini, they have made somewhat of a mark on the kid.

“I love the program and everything it has to come with it. The energy is amazing.”

It is hard to tell who will be Illinois’ quarterback in 2027, let alone when the 2029 season rolls around. There will be plenty of options for Bielema and the Illini coaching staff.

There is one thing I would bet on. There will be an elite quarterback within a two-hour drive. Noy is on the trajectory of a superstar, and hopefully, Illinois can be the program that can grow his game at the next level. Keep an eye on this kid for the future.

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