CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois is set to have a new starting quarterback for the first time in multiple years.
Luke Altmyer wrapped up his college career in 2025, his third and final season leading the Illini offense. Now, Illinois welcomes in Katin Houser – a transfer from East Carolina.
Illinois quarterbacks coach, and former U of I QB, Art Sitkowski spoke with reporters about Houser and the other signal callers on the Illinois football 2026 roster on Wednesday.
Houser comes to Champaign for his fifth year of college football after starting 19 games across two seasons at ECU. He racked up 3,300 passing yards as a junior for the Pirates in 2025.
The quick release of the projected starting QB is catching the attention of his coaches and teammates alike.
“It was one of the first things you saw on film,” Sitkowski said of Houser. “Just how quickly he gets the ball out of his hands physically, but also the ability he has to exhaust people in his progressions. That’s one of his greatest qualities as a quarterback, he’s a very decisive passer… Then obviously, physically he’s very very gifted.”
Offensive lineman Christian Martin also expressed an appreciation for Houser’s quick release, noting it helps those who block for him.
Sitkowski says Houser is kind and well-mannered off the field, but has an ‘alter-ego’ when its time to play.
“He definitely turns a switch when he gets in that competitive setting,” Sitkowski said. “Commands the huddle. You can tell he’s a guy who has played major college football, and has taken meaningful snaps in college football. That switch definitely goes off in his head, which is pretty cool.”
Boyd enters his second season with Illinois after redshirting in 2025.
“Very physically gifted,” Sitkowski said of Boyd. “He’s got a very gifted skillset with his legs. A guy that can extend plays within the pocket, also outside of the pocket. Very pleased with Carson’s progression, just understanding our system…”
Newton also came to Illinois starting in 2025 and redshirted as a true freshman.
The younger brother of Illini turned NFL defensive lineman Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton, Jershaun was a composite three-star prospect out of high school.
“There’s a lot of things I love about [Jershaun Newton],” Sitkowski said. “One of the things, he has always got a smile on his face. He comes into our meeting room every single day with a smile on his face… He’s incredibly bright. Brings a great attitude to our room, to our football field. He has improved so much as a passer, not only physically but also the mental side of the game as well.”
Clayton is Illinois’ sole true freshman quarterback on the 2026 roster.
A native of Orlando, Florida, he was a three-star prospect in the high school class of 2026 but joined the Illini program early after graduating in December.
“I’ve been really, really impressed with Michael,” Sitkowski said. “He’s done a really, really good job this spring – been engulfed in the playbook. Very impressive physically… He’s gotten better each and every single practice… He’s done a really good job as a freshman of picking up our system, picking up our terminology and kind of playing to the style of play which we expect an Illinois quarterback to play at.”
Sitkowski says it’s beneficial for Clayton to arrive on campus in the spring and get reps and experience before his first fall camp.
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