Former Illinois kicker finds new college football home in SEC
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Former Illinois kicker David Olano is headed out of the transfer portal and to one of the top programs in the SEC.
The Naperville, Illinois, native announced Monday he will play his final season of college football at Texas A&M, signing with the College Station, Texas, program for 2026.
Olano was 20-for-23 during the 2025 season for Illinois, including the game-winning field goal in the final seconds of a 30-28 victory against Tennessee in the Music City Bowl.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior finished 37-for-43 on field goals for Illinois. He left with single-game school records for most field goals (five) and kicking points (19), set in 2025 vs. Purdue.
“Kicker transfer news doesn’t usually move the needle for Aggie fans, but this year is different,” wrote Jarrett Johnson of Aggies Wire, part of the USA Today Sports Network. “After converting just 61 percent of their field‑goal attempts last season, the position became one of the roster’s most urgent priorities. The staff clearly felt the same way and wasted no time targeting one of the top specialists in the transfer portal.”
A&M finished the season 11-2 overall and 7-1 in the SEC, earning the No. 7 seed in the College Football Playoff. The Aggies lost to Miami (Fla.) in the opening round.
Let’s do it! #GigEmpic.twitter.com/usw4Klkfa7
— David Olano (@DavidOlano_) January 5, 2026
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois transfer portal: David Olano headed to Texas A&M
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