While the transfer portal is usually reserved for players who have been in the college game for a minute, the Illinois football program knows it can be a near-immediate thing for some players.
Just in the last couple of years, the Illini have had a player or two commit and sign with the program only to enter the transfer portal months later. Well, the shoe is on the other foot now.
According to Rivals NCAA Transfer Portal social media account, Illinois is one of the teams involved in transfer portal talent, Noah King. Colorado, Maryland, Miami (OH), and Toledo are also mentioned. Miami (FL) is getting a visit from King, too.
Noah King, who signed with Kansas State in the 2025 class, is in the transfer portal and has a visit lined up to Miami on Monday.
— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) April 19, 2025
Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, Miami (OH), and Toledo are also involved in his recruitment.
King is repped by @AliBarnes_agent of Delta Sports Group pic.twitter.com/khQeNjbXR1
Coming out of Hamilton High School in Ohio, King was rated as a four-star recruit and was the No. 218 player in the class of 2025. He was also the No. 7 player coming out of Ohio.
King committed to Kansas State back in July 2024. He kept with that commitment and signed with the Wildcats during the early signing period. On Thursday, he decided his time was done at Kansas State and entered the transfer portal.
Landing Noah King from the transfer portal would give Illinois football another massive weapon in the secondary
A major improvement for the Illini last season was the secondary. We could actually stop teams when they tried to throw the football. Most of that secondary returns in 2025 as well.
I am excited to watch Xavier Scott, Miles Scott, Torrie Cox Jr., Kaleb Patterson, etc. tear it up again in 2025. On top of the talent that is coming back, Illinois has some quality depth on the roster.
Returning for the Illini in 2025 are four cornerbacks who played at least 344 snaps. We also have three safeties who each played at least 176 snaps coming back. That alone is some impressive depth, and I haven’t even mentioned the younger depth that is starting to come into their own.
King would be next in line and may even have a say in snaps in 2025. He is an elite athlete who could be a special talent. Hopefully, Illinois can swoop in and snag this four-star recruit.