Art Sitkowski outlines Illini quarterback room for 2026 season

Art Sitkowski outlines Illini quarterback room for 2026 season

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois is set to have a new starting quarterback for the first time in multiple years.

Luke Altmyer wrapped up his college career in 2025, his third and final season leading the Illini offense. Now, Illinois welcomes in Katin Houser – a transfer from East Carolina.

Illinois quarterbacks coach, and former U of I QB, Art Sitkowski spoke with reporters about Houser and the other signal callers on the Illinois football 2026 roster on Wednesday.

KATIN HOUSER

Houser comes to Champaign for his fifth year of college football after starting 19 games across two seasons at ECU. He racked up 3,300 passing yards as a junior for the Pirates in 2025.

The quick release of the projected starting QB is catching the attention of his coaches and teammates alike.

“It was one of the first things you saw on film,” Sitkowski said of Houser. “Just how quickly he gets the ball out of his hands physically, but also the ability he has to exhaust people in his progressions. That’s one of his greatest qualities as a quarterback, he’s a very decisive passer… Then obviously, physically he’s very very gifted.”

Offensive lineman Christian Martin also expressed an appreciation for Houser’s quick release, noting it helps those who block for him.

Sitkowski says Houser is kind and well-mannered off the field, but has an ‘alter-ego’ when its time to play.

“He definitely turns a switch when he gets in that competitive setting,” Sitkowski said. “Commands the huddle. You can tell he’s a guy who has played major college football, and has taken meaningful snaps in college football. That switch definitely goes off in his head, which is pretty cool.”

Houser is a native of Anaheim, California.

CARSON BOYD

Boyd enters his second season with Illinois after redshirting in 2025.

He was a three-star prospect out of high school.

“Very physically gifted,” Sitkowski said of Boyd. “He’s got a very gifted skillset with his legs. A guy that can extend plays within the pocket, also outside of the pocket. Very pleased with Carson’s progression, just understanding our system…”