Illinois quarterback has plenty of time to boost his College Football 27 rating

Illinois football is about to enter a new era for their program, as they will be without Luke Altmyer for the first time in three seasons.

It will be a changing of the guard for the Illini, as senior quarterback Katin Houser will take the reins of the offense after transferring in from East Carolina University. The 6-foot-3 Houser not only has a lot of momentum behind him coming into this season, but also a lot of intrigue.

This will be Houser's first time playing for a power-four program since 2023 with Michigan State, which could lead to fans and analysts wondering how his game will translate to the next level. But recently, EA Sports gave fans a picture of where they believe Houser ranks in the country when they released the ratings for their upcoming College Football 27 video game.

Houser, an Anaheim, California product, will enter the 2026-27 season with an 83 overall rating. He will join four other quarterbacks from across the country who are rated 83 overall, including Michigan's Bryce Underwood, as well as Baylor's DJ Lagway.

The former East Carolina Pirate finished his final season in Greenville, North Carolina, with a 65.9% completion percentage, 3,300 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Houser was also a threat to score on the ground, finding the end zone nine times when his team was near the goal line.

Katin Houser has a great chance to outperform his rating during the 2026 Illinois football campaign

Illinois landed one of the top transfer portal quarterbacks in the country this offseason in Houser, who is known to be a pocket passer with a very strong arm and an ability to throw the deep ball with tremendous accuracy.

In 2026, Houser will have a plethora of weapons to throw to, including returning wideouts Collin Dixon and Hudson Clement, as well as transfers Alex Perry and Jayshon Platt. He will even have Ca'Lil Valentine coming out of the backfield, who will be looking to elevate his game after rushing for 614 yards last season.

In theory, rating Houser 83 overall is reasonable based on the fact that this will be his first year with the team and that he will be entering a much tougher conference. But on paper, Illinois' new gunslinger has all of the tools necessary to have a special year in Champaign.

Rebuild or not, don't be surprised if Houser outkicks his coverage in 2026 and puts the country on notice in his final year of eligibility.

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