Former Illinois Football Kicker announces transfer destination

Illinois football started off 2026 with some rather ominous news. After a huge win over Tennessee in the 2025 Music City Bowl, kicker David Olano entered the transfer portal. It was quite the turn of events as Olano kicked the game-winning field goal to lift Illinois to victory just less than 48 hours before. Additionally, Olano is an in-state prospect who likely has a chance to play in the NFL should his trajectory continue.

Alas, Olano chose to enter the transfer portal and has now announced that he is committed to Texas A&M. Texas A&M is one of the richer programs in the country in terms of their NIL resources, hence it is likely that David received quite a lucrative package. During the 2025 season, Olano was 20 of 23 overall; two of those three misses were blocked kicks. Illinois football certainly needs to find a prospect to replace a leg as good as David’s. If Olano wants to make it to the NFL, he will need to show that he can make kicks from 50 yards plus.

Per our sources, Illinois football has looked into Appalachian State kicker Dominic De Freitas.

Let’s do it! #GigEm pic.twitter.com/usw4Klkfa7

— David Olano (@DavidOlano_) January 5, 2026

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