Sherrone Moore scandal at Michigan could help Illinois in the transfer portal

The Michigan Wolverines are a mess right now, and it could end up helping the Illinois football program.

On Wednesday afternoon, news broke that the Wolverines had fired head coach Sharrone Moore due to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staff member. That sounds like a lot, and I am thankful the Illini have their stuff together.

With that being said, Moore is now fired, and that opens the entire Michigan roster to hit the transfer portal. Believe me, with the way rosters flip when coaches change, look for nearly every Wolverine to head somewhere else.

Illinois could benefit from this news, too. There are plenty of players on the Michigan roster I would love to land from the transfer portal.

Here are the top Illinois transfer portal targets who could depart Michigan due to the Sherrone Moore scandal.

Nate Marshall – OLB – Sophomore

Nate Marshall was an elite recruit coming out of Fenwick Park High School in Illinois. If he becomes available, Illinois would have to fork over some solid money to land him.

Marshall was a four-star recruit who was the No. 43 player in the class of 2025. He picked Michigan over teams like Texas and Auburn. Now that the Wolverines are a complete mess, he might end up being back on the market.

Illinois really wasn’t involved too much the first time around, but do you know what we have that others probably don’t? A massive hole at outside linebacker that Marshall could fill from day one.

If Marshall entered the transfer portal, Illinois should fully pursue this kid. He could come in and be a starter, and this would help replace the massive production left by Gabe Jacas.

When it all comes down to it, if I had to pick one player from Michigan’s roster to land, it would be Marshall. He could be the biggest game-changer for the Illini.

Jyaire Hill – CB – Senior

I was so disappointed when Illinois didn’t land Jyaire Hill a few years back. He was such a talented cornerback, but now we get another chance at this kid.

Hill was a four-star recruit and the No. 166 player in the class of 2023. Illinois and Michigan were his top two, with the Wolverines ultimately winning out.

When Jim Harbaugh left Michigan, I thought we might have a chance at Hill again. That didn’t happen. Now that there is continued instability, the third time might be the charm.

Hill has had a pretty decent career, too. This past season, he had 33 tackles, five pass deflections, one interception, one forced fumble, and one sack. He also ranked as the top cornerback on the Michigan depth chart.

Illinois always needs more cornerback help. Hill could come into the program and be guaranteed a starting job in his final season in college. That has to be enticing.

I’Marion Stewart – WR – Junior (?)

Illinois has missed on recruits throughout time, and this includes someone like I’Marion Stewart.

Stewart was a four-star recruit and the No. 310 player in the class of 2024. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound receiver ended up picking Michigan over Wisconsin as his landing spot.

While the Illini weren’t fully in the running for Stewart, there are a few things working for us if push comes to shove. The first being location.

Stewart is from Chicago, as he went to Kenwood Academy. We can bring him home. The coaching situation for both Michigan and Wisconsin has changed drastically, too. Moore is now out of the picture with the Wolverines, and Luke Fickell continues to fail upward with the Badgers.

Good things are worth the wait. While Stewart hasn’t logged any stats in two seasons with Michigan, there is likely potential waiting in the wings. I wouldn’t mind Illinois pursuing Stewart, as he would give us more options and depth at wide receiver.

Deakon Toniello – TE – Senior

Not all transfers need to be massive impact guys. Illinois could always target someone like Deakon Tonielli if he decides to enter the transfer portal.

Coming out of Oswego High School in Illinois, Tonielli was a four-star recruit who was the No. 414 player in the class of 2023. Illinois got one of his official visits, but Tonielli ultimately landed with the Wolverines.

The career for Tonielli hasn’t gone well. He logged his first snaps this season, going for six receptions for 52 yards. Tonielli only received 73 snaps this season, too.

Illinois could be a nice soft landing spot for Tonielli. The runway is clear for him, as Cole Rusk and Tanner Arkin are both departing. He would have a chance to come in and potentially start for the Illini.

An added bonus of Illinois potentially going after this kid is that both coaches who recruited Tonielli are now gone. Barry Lunney Jr. was the primary recruiter for the Illini. He could help bring in and develop this former four-star recruit.

Benny Patterson – DL – Freshman

You don’t always need to have recruited a player the first time around to potentially land him out of the transfer portal. One player I have hope for is Benny Patterson.

Coming out of Castle High School in Indiana, Patterson was a four-star recruit who was the No. 362 player in the class of 2025. He picked Michigan over Cincinnati.

I don’t believe Illinois even offered Patterson a scholarship coming out of high school. But I do know one thing for sure, we will need more defensive line help in the near future.

Illinois should have a few nice pieces returning next season. Tomiwa Durojaiye and Curt Neal should both be back for their senior campaign. I love what we have with Angelo McCullom, too.

Bielema still needs some help up front. Patterson could come into the program and at least compete for a starting job. This would help strengthen the defensive line, and Illinois could become a stronger team.