It is not like things were going smoothly for the Illinois football program this season, but we didn’t need more bad news.
Illinois managed to notch a win over Michigan State on Saturday afternoon, but it didn’t come without a cost.
Toward the end of the third quarter, Illini quarterback Katin Houser threw an interception. What does any normal quarterback want to do when he throws a pick? Tackle the returning player.
Houser made the tackle, but he also mangled his hand. First posted by Jeremy Werner of 247Sports, Bret Bielema confirmed that the worst-case scenario has occurred.
“Katin Houser broke something in his hand. Don’t know if it’s season-ending, but he’ll be out for a considerable amount of time.”
#illini Bret Bielema: Katin Houser broke something in his hand. Don't know if it's season-ending, but he'll be out for a considerable amount of time.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 10, 2026
Houser played decently against Michigan State on Saturday. He was 20-of-29 for 194 yards, one touchdown, and the fateful interception.
The words from Bielema sound bad. There are only seven weeks of the season left and just six games. The fact that Houser is going to be out for a while means to me that he is done for the season.
This has definitely been the most disappointing transfer portal quarterback addition in the Bielema era. It isn’t due to Houser being bad. In fact, I think he has been solid for the Illini. But as far as results meeting expectations, the Houser experiment has fallen short.
Illinois football got a glimpse of what the future will look like with Michael Clayton II
I would have loved to have seen Houser finish out the 2026 season. I think he could have helped Illinois reach a bowl game. Now, future results are a complete mystery.
There is some positivity heading into the bye week, though. Illinois secured the win, and it came on the shoulders of freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II.
Clayton came in the game and wasn’t rattled. He immediately led Illinois to a touchdown drive. Clayton then threw a strike for a touchdown in overtime, which ended up being the game-winning score.
Houser is out. That is clear. Clayton is now the next man up. He has proved himself in a short amount of time, and now he has the reins to the offense. While Illinois might not make a bowl game in 2026, we at least get to see what we have come 2027. Maybe Clayton will shock the world and drag this program to the postseason. Let’s hope for the latter.
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