What it means: Illinois needs a new quarterback with three-year starter Luke Altmyer out of eligibility. Houser arrives in Champaign after throwing for 6,438 yards and 43 touchdowns with 22 interceptions over four seasons at Michigan State and East Carolina.

Illinois football brought in a pair of seniors to bolster their defense as the first signees of the 2026 transfer portal cycle.

Hood, who announced last week he would be entering the transfer portal, on Wednesday committed to West Virginia

Chiles lost his starting job after eight games in 2025 — in which he had 10 touchdown passes and three interceptions — and battled a foot injury late in the year. He was among the players to transfer out after new Spartans coach Pat Fitzgerald took over.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema's comments about the transfer portal era spark heated debate among college football fans.

Coenen started his career at Division II Bemidji State, where he was productive, racking up 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks for the Beavers. Last year, Coenen transferred to Illinois, where he played in 12 games and finished with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a rotation lineman.