I don’t necessarily disagree that he might only get 3 years, but citing the fact they were in BIG championship game to say it wasn’t a total rebuild is pretty misleading. It’s not like that team was great — 8-5 regular season (6-3 in conference) and finished year unranked. They got to championship game because of relatively bad West division. I don’t know him many players from that team weren’t around last year because of graduation and portal, but I’d guess it’s far more that it would have been 10 years ago — especially with the coaching change — when there wasn’t the penalty free transferring. Especially with a coaching change.
Illinois Football Recruiting Thread
I would say 8-5, 6-3 is the very definition of "not a total rebuild", if not even better, regardless of opponent strength or the size of the portal. Walters has new opponents this year, sure, but so does everyone else. And we're all using the same portal.
Our own 2-10 or 1-11 seasons are not that far in the past, relatively speaking. He was handed plenty to work with and (pass the popcorn) is falling apart this year.
Illinivek23
- Gurnee
This kid is a stud
Hard pass. Got to be at 2.5 on TD passes.
Yup … It’s bowl or you’re done next year for Walters … Purdue doesn’t expect to go 10-2 but they do expect 6-6 at worst …
And we better not freaking lose to them this year … Absolutely unacceptable if we do …
Mr. Tibbs
- southeast DuPage
We need to return the favor from last year. I’ll settle for a W but I hope we curb stomp them
I’m limiting access to game plans and practice that week…
If you have never seen Mr. Boyd throw a football. It equivalent of baseball coming off Ontani's bat. He has a rocket.
Kid has the chance to be SPECIAL …
Barry & Art have really, really upgraded the talent in that QB room … Feel bad but someone’s gonna be the odd man out this offseason …
mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
Agreed. Even with the understanding the offensive philosophy and QB traits being sought by each coaching staff was very different, you can't ignore the talent difference here.
2019 QB Room
Brandon Peters (Junior)
Matt Robinson (R-Freshman)
Coran Taylor (R-Freshman)
Isaiah Williams (Freshman)
Deuce Spann (Commit)
2024 QB Room
Luke Altmyer (R-Junior)
Donovan Leary (R-Sophomore)
Kirkland Michaux (R-Junior)
Cal Swanson (R-Freshman)
Trey Petty (Freshman)
Carson Boyd (Commit)
The only way Swanson gets on the field is if he changes positions. Leary has talent but how many guys wait until their 5th season to play.
I think Michaux traveled ahead of Swanson to the NEB game. Yeah, not a great sign for his QB prospects unfortunately
Leary was also recruited to play under the Petersen system. I'd love it if he decided to stick it out here...but I have a feeling that the starting job in 2026 will be centered on Petty vs Boyd.