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Illinois football is 2-2 on the season and favored to beat Purdue this coming Saturday in Champaign, Ill. The Fighting Illini defense has been in a state of disarray this season, leading to coordinator Bobby Hauck's shockingly early resignation. 

The quarterback play of former East Carolina and Michigan State transfer Katin Houser has been arguably the brightest spot of the 2026 season so far, leading to an impressive ranking for Houser nationally on Wednesday.

Houser was given a top 20 ranking by ESPN's Bill Connelly, setting the stage for what could be another big game this weekend. 

Houser Ranked 16th by ESPN Writer

Houser was ranked 16th in the nation by Connelly, third among Big Ten quarterbacks and two spots ahead of Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover. 

"The ECU transfer is thriving in Champaign," Connelly wrote. "If only we could say the same thing about Illinois' defense. Houser has produced a Total QBR of at least 77.0 in every start and frustrated Ohio State with 263 yards and a touchdown last week. Illinois ranks ninth nationally in success rate, and with his sharp passing and smart scrambling, Houser is a big reason for that." 

Illinois' offense is averaging over 255 passing yards per game, putting it near the top of the Big Ten heading into this weekend's game vs. Purdue. Houser has done it with a decent but unspectacular running game, led by backs Ca'Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery. 

The Illini's offensive coordinator, Barry Lunney, Jr., has formed a strong relationship with Houser and the rest of the team's quarterbacks, helping to forge an exciting path ahead for the Illinois offense.

Quarterback coach Art Sitkowski is also gaining recognition for developing Houser after helping to turn Luke Altmyer into an NFL quarterback during his time in Champaign, Ill. 

Passing Game Could Improve Soon

Illinois' passing game is expected to improve shortly with the pending addition of Jayshon Platt, a star transfer from Florida Atlantic this offseason. Platt has been out with an undisclosed injury during Illinois' first four games and was expected back at practice this week according to coach Bret Bielema. 

Illinois star receiver Collin Dixon is still sitting on seven touchdowns after zero touchdown week last week in Columbus, Ohio against the Buckeyes, but Hudson Clement stepped up to lead the team in receptions and Ty Robinson also had a solid game.

Another name to keep an eye on this weekend is Caden Feagin. Feagin has been growing into his new role at tight end after switching over from tailback this offseason. He is starting to understand the offense better according to tight ends coach Jared Elliot, renewing hopes for a breakout as the season continues toward mid-fall. 

Houser is ranked 16th now, but he could vault up Connelly's list if everything comes together as planned over the next few weeks. 

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