Skip to main content
Writing Illini
Fansided

The transfer portal was good to Illinois football, as Jake Renfro eyed as one of the best centers in the game

Illinois football did some work in the offseason, and the addition of Jake Renfro from the transfer portal is catching some national attention.
ByRees Woodcock|
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Jul 23, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin offensive lineman Jake Renfro speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin offensive lineman Jake Renfro speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bret Bielema did a great job putting together the Illinois football class of 2026.

A freshman group coming in ranked inside the top 25 and a transfer portal ranking of inside the top 45 is an impressive feat. Numerous players who are entering the Illini program will make an impact in 2026 as well.

Bielema knows the key positions that make all of the other positions flow better. Center is one of those spots. That is why Illinois went out and landed 7th-year senior Jake Renfro.

On Thursday, that huge transfer portal addition started to pay off on a national level. The Illinois football social media account released the news that Renfro has made the Rimington Trophy watch list.

The Rimington Trophy is awarded to the best center in the college game. The award started back in 2000, and Illinois has never won the great honor.

Jake Renfro has a chance to notch Illinois’ first-ever Rimington Award winner

I would argue that Renfro has the best chance Illinois has ever had at winning this award. The only caveat is health. Can the big man stay healthy?

When healthy, Renfro has been a stalwart for programs. He spent three seasons with Cincinnati. His first two years, he had 19 starts and played in 21 games. He was first-team All-AAC in year two. Year three, he missed the season with an injury.

Renfro transferred to Wisconsin and spent three seasons with the Badgers. Year one, he was still recovering from the injury at Cincinnati, but started the bowl game. Year two, he started 12 games and registered as one of the best centers in the Big Ten. Year three, started four games but then missed the rest of the season with an injury.

Illinois now has this mixed bag of talent and fragility. Renfro is healthy. If he stays healthy, he is going to be All-Big Ten first team without a doubt. He is a great center and has proved that in the past.

As the old saying goes, the best ability is availability. Illinois is going to need Renfro on the field this season. If he does remain on the field and starts all 13 games for the Orange and Blue, something tells me this isn’t the last time we hear his name in the mix for awards.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/Illinois Football