NEWS: Illinois Football Lands Wisconsin Transfer Jake Renfro

Big time Illinois Football news! Wisconsin transfer center Jake Renfro announced he’ll spend his final season of eligibility in Champaign.

A member of the class of 2020, Renfro began his career at Cincinnati under head coach Luke Fickell, starting for two seasons as a true freshman and sophomore before following Fickell to Wisconsin ahead of the 2023 season.

The Mokena (IL) native will enter 2026 as a seventh-year senior due to an extensive injury history. Renfro appeared in just one game between the 2022 and 2023 seasons after suffering a knee injury—that being the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl with Wisconsin. Then, he returned fully healthy for the Badgers in 2024, playing in all 12 games and posting an impressive 68.9 PFF run-blocking grade—tied for fifth in the Big Ten. Certainly, a very strong bounce-back season following a lengthy absence.

Unfortunately, Renfro re-aggravated the knee injury in 2025, limiting him to just five appearances. He was granted a medical redshirt for a seventh season in 2026 and chose to finish his career at Illinois under Bret Bielema.

News: As reported by 247sports, Center Jake Renfro has signed with the #illini. Renfro will be in his seventh year of college football (medical hardship waiver).

In 2024, he started all 12 games at center and posted a 68.9 PFF run blocking grade, tied for the fifth-best mark in… pic.twitter.com/IfWdkxCMsF

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) January 5, 2026

What it Means: Jake Renfro’s impact on Illinois Football in 2026

Illinois will be tasked with replacing four starters along the offensive line entering the 2026 season, including center Josh Kreutz, left tackle JC Davis, right tackle Melvin Priestly, and left guard Josh Gesky. Certainly, that level of turnover makes Jake Renfro’s arrival especially significant.

Renfro brings veteran, Big Ten battle–tested experience to the table and can step in immediately as the leader of the unit. From starting seven games as a true freshman at Cincinnati—where he earned all AAC honors—to producing strong PFF numbers throughout his career despite repeated injury setbacks, Renfro has already navigated nearly every challenge an offensive lineman can face. Plus, he’s transferred before (Cincinnati to Wisconsin), making the transition to a new locker room and scheme something he’s already proven capable of handling very well.

The biggest question, of course, centers on health. When available, Renfro has shown the ability to perform at a high Big Ten level. If he can stay on the field, Illinois is getting a veteran anchor capable of providing stability during a major roster reset.

On film, Renfro brings a physical, aggressive presence at the point of attack and consistently moves defenders off the line of scrimmage. Despite his injury history, he moves well for his size at 6’4, 315lbs, and shows the ability to climb to the second level after initial contact. His skill set certainly pairs well with Illinois’ strong running back room, which needs a decisive, experienced center to help create and sustain rhythm in the run game.

Pending his health, Renfro is a much-needed addition for Bart Miller and the Illini offensive line heading into 2026.

Illinois Football. Jake Renfro. Armchair Illini. ReliaQuest Bowl vs LSU. Photo Credit: Jake Renfro, Instagram. (@jakerenfro1).

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