In a surprise move to many, Illinois basketball guard Ty Rodgers is entering the transfer portal.
Jeff Borzello of ESPN was the first to break the news that the Illini forward was departing the program. Despite being with Illinois for 4 years, Rodgers only played in half of those seasons, missing last season with a knee injury and the previous season as a redshirt.
With the departure of team-leader and defensive stalwart Kylan Boswell, Rodgers looked ready to take on that role and fill that void to an extent.
Illinois redshirt junior Ty Rodgers has entered the transfer portal, source told ESPN. Redshirted the 2024-25 season and then missed the 2025-26 season after suffering a knee injury last summer.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 16, 2026
The departure of Ty Rodgers from the Illinois basketball program should benefit both parties
For Rodgers, the move will give him a chance to get some real minutes on a competitive team. When healthy, he has proven to be a sound rebounder and defensive presence on the court and should be a wanted commodity on the market.
Given Illinois’ projected roster for next season, with its mix of returning starters, exciting recruits, and any transfer talent they might add, Rodgers was likely to see a very reduced role compared to his pre-injury role.
Likewise, the Illini benefit from an extra roster spot to work with and more money to spend on other players.
With an open spot, the program can take a chance on a European talent they really like or a transfer portal option they can develop in the long run. Given this staff’s ability to develop players, Keaton Wagler, as a prime example, this option could pay dividends.
Moreover, the extra cash saved could be used to add to an offer on a transfer the Illini are already in on. With college sports becoming a bidding war, any added amount of money could be the difference in landing a top talent.
Although Rodgers’ leaving is not ideal, both he and the Illini may be better off for the 2026-27 season.
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