Illinois Football News: QB Cal Swanson Enters 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/XgH0V76XjG

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.

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