The Illinois Fighting Illini have officially secured transfer quarterback Katin Houser, who announced his commitment on Sunday. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound redshirt senior from Anaheim, California, will utilize his final season of eligibility with Illinois after two productive years at East Carolina University (ECU). ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the news, and Illinois confirmed the signing shortly afterward.
Houser began his collegiate career at Michigan State, joining the Spartans as a four-star prospect from St. John Bosco High School in 2022. Ranked 225th overall and 13th among quarterbacks nationally in his recruiting class, Houser was also an Elite 11 finalist. After redshirting as a true freshman, he appeared in 11 games in 2023, making seven consecutive starts to close out the season. During that period, Houser completed 112 of 191 passes (59.0%) for 1,130 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions. He transferred to ECU following a coaching change at Michigan State.
Over two seasons with the Pirates, Houser appeared in 21 games, completing 418 of 653 passes (64.0%) for 5,306 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. On the ground, he added 363 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. In 2025 alone, Houser threw for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns with six interceptions while contributing 181 rushing yards and nine rushing scores. His deep-ball efficiency stood out, as he completed 25 of 58 attempts of 20+ yards for 1,021 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception, earning 24 “big-time throws,” tied for third among FBS quarterbacks according to PFF.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. view Houser as the clear frontrunner to replace Luke Altmyer under center. Although Bielema maintains that the quarterback competition remains open, the Illini have not pursued another transfer of Houser’s caliber at the position. Returning quarterbacks Ethan Hampton and Carson Boyd are seen as backups or future options, while 2026 recruits Michael Clayton II and Kamden Lopati are still developing. Houser’s combination of Big Ten experience, physical size, arm strength, and proven leadership positions him as the likely starter for 2026.
Houser’s arrival coincides with Illinois’ ongoing roster overhaul, which has already included 25 transfers this offseason, including quarterback Maurice Smith from Division II Chowan University. His familiarity with Big Ten play will be tested in 2026 when the Illini travel to face Michigan State, a reunion with his former team. Illinois has enjoyed two straight winning seasons, combining for 19 wins and back-to-back bowl victories, the best two-year run in program history.
Houser’s arrival gives the Illini a chance to carry forward its offensive identity with a productive Big Ten passing attack led by experienced playmakers. He may not replicate Altmyer’s mobility, but Houser brings a more physical running style for short-yardage and goal-line situations, a strong deep-ball capability, and an advanced understanding of the RPO game. His track record suggests a quarterback capable of bridging the gap to Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class while giving the Illini a chance to maintain, or even improve, upon the program’s recent success.
