Football
Illinois Football News: QB Cal Swanson Enters Transfer Portal
News: Illinois Football redshirt freshman quarterback Cal Swanson has officially entered the transfer portal.

Transfer portal season has begun across the world of college football and despite a Citrus Bowl seemingly on the way, inevitable turnover has begun for Illinois Football.
According to Tom Loy, a National Recruiting Analyst for 247 Sports, redshirt freshman quarterback Cal Swanson has entered the transfer portal.
#Illinois quarterback Cal Swanson is expected to enter the Transfer Portal next week.
Talented class of 2023 prospect with three years of eligibility remaining.
🔗 https://t.co/gp7yVzJzo4@247Sports / @247SportsPortal pic.twitter.com/nIg8PRy6ku
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) December 7, 2024
What it means?
Attrition was almost inevitable at the quarterback position.
Pending a crazy turn of events, Luke Altmyer will have one more go for Illinois Football in 2025. Currently, Sophomore Donovan Leary is at the helm to take the backup quarterback spot. With high anticipation for the future surrounding talented Freshman Trey Petty, as well as incoming Freshman gunslinger (2025) Carson Boyd, it makes sense for Swanson to move on to another roster in need of a developing starter.
Wherever Cal eventually ends up, he is going to bring the potential for an eye-opening combination of speed and athleticism to the QB room.
Per Gabe Brooks, National Analyst at 247 Sports
“Also plays basketball and runs track. Ran a 23.01 200 and qualified for the Oklahoma 5A-6A state meet in the 400 as a junior. Finished 5th at state with a 50.44. Ran anchor for Ardmore’s 4×200 relay that won silver at state. Ran the first leg of the silver-winning 4×400 relay.
2021: Led Ardmore to a 9-2 record and an Oklahoma 5A first-round playoff berth. Threw for 206.6 yards per game and a 28-2 TD-INT ratio, adding 5 rushing TDs.”

Ardmore quarterback Cal Swanson hands the ball off Friday night against Southeast.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is certainly no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.
For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini!Â
-
Basketball3 days ago
Illinois basketball offers top center from the class of 2026
-
Basketball3 days ago
Former Illinois basketball center makes Team USA U19
-
Basketball2 days ago
Illinois basketball likely to receive visit from four-star guard Jasiah Jervis
-
Football5 days ago
Illinois Football Lands Highest Rated OL Of the Bielema Era
-
Basketball6 days ago
Camryn Crocker named Illinois basketball defensive coordinator
-
Football2 days ago
Illinois Football: 2026 4-Star Linebacker Commit Shuts Down Recruitment
-
Football4 days ago
Illinois Football Lands their Fourth 4-Star Commit in the 2026 Class
-
Basketball4 days ago
Could Illinois basketball add another marquee non-conference matchup?