The negative transfer portal news started a few days ago for the Illinois football program, as running back Josh McCray was reported to be entering.
This was a surprise to many, as McCray was Bret Bielema’s first commitment and a player who just won the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl MVP for the Illini. Bielema then spoke about the transfer portal on Wednesday and talked about how Illinois could have nearly a half-dozen players enter.
Well, on Thursday, the dominoes started to fall. Pete Nakos of On3.com reported that Illinois defensive back Tyler Strain was entering the transfer portal.
Illinois defensive back Tyler Strain has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 17, 2025
Has posted 57 career tackles, 2 TFLs and 3 interceptions. https://t.co/VxSGJEUisH pic.twitter.com/KWNnZfLay0
Strain, a former three-star recruit out of Pace High School in Florida, spent four seasons in the Illinois program. He stuck with his commitment to the team despite a coaching change, and he has been with us ever since.
Strain’s best season with the program came in 2023. He put together 35 tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception that year. Now the cornerback is entering the transfer portal and looking for a new home.
Illinois football only lost depth with Tyler Strain entering the transfer portal
While losing a player to the transfer portal is never fun, it is all a part of the business. I wish Strain nothing but the best, but Illinois isn’t losing a starter with this departure.
When it comes to the cornerback position, Strain was the lowest-rated cornerback on the Illinois roster, according to Pro Football Focus. He graded out at 47.1, with the second worst being Chase Canada at 52.1.
On top of that, Illinois returns the core players in the secondary. Xavier Scott was one of the best cornerbacks in the country last season. Kaleb Patterson, Torrie Cox Jr., and Jaheim Clark are all back in the fold, too.
I am not leaving out the possibility of Illinois bringing in a transfer portal addition to the secondary either. Bielema mentioned that they are out trying to get some depth, and I would imagine the cornerback position is of note. Let’s see how the next couple of months play out for the Illini.