Illinois Football news: QB Donovan Leary enters transfer portal

Per multiple sources online including Illini Inquirer and Mike Farrell Sports, Illinois football received news that quarterback Donovan Leary has decided to enter the transfer portal. The New Jersey native will have two years of eligibility remaining after spending three years in Champaign. Leary was the primary backup for the Illini this season and particularly impressed coaches throughout the season. He even came into the home win over Michigan to convert a beautifully thrown two-point conversion. With Leary becoming an upperclassman, he is absolutely ready to take on a larger role and truly compete for a starting job. However, with star QB Luke Altmyer likely planning to return for one more year, Leary would have been stuck as the backup.

Happy Sunday to everyone especially Donovan Leary pic.twitter.com/lLO4Plqe5B

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) October 20, 2024

As an upperclassman, Donovan Leary, could potentially start for the Illini if injuries occur, providing a more likely opportunity for him to play. Leary’s older brother is currently a third-string quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens.

A talented quarterback room

Despite Leary moving on, Illinois football still has a talented quarterback room. If Luke Altmyer does return, Trey Petty and true freshmen, Carson Boyd and Jer’Shaun Newton, all have intriguing futures. However, all three prospects are very young, hence I do assume that the Illini will look for a backup QB in the transfer portal. As Joey Wagner of Illini Inquirer pointed out, an experienced QB that is similar to John Paddock, would make a lot of sense.

Look for more transfers to occur within Illinois football news in the next week.

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