Oregon has 3 quarterbacks who might begin Saturday. Illinois has a freshman who's by no means began earlier than

The s will face a staff on Saturday with an excellent much less fascinating quarterback scenario.

Illinois (3-3, 1-2 Large Ten) quarterback Katin Houser suffered a damaged hand that can sideline him for 4 to 6 weeks throughout a 38-37 additional time win over Michigan State on Oct. 10.

Oregon has performed its final two video games with out beginning quarterback Dante Moore, who suffered a concussion within the second quarter of the Geese’ 41-27 win at USC on Sept. 26.

Nonetheless, whereas Oregon can flip to junior Dylan Raiola — a Nebraska switch with 23 profession begins — and senior Brock Thomas, Illinois is counting on freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II, who will make his first begin in opposition to the Geese.

A optimistic for Illinois is that Houser was injured earlier than the staff’s bye week, giving coach Bret Bielema two weeks to arrange Clayton.

“It was simply good timing,” Bielema instructed reporters throughout his Monday media session.

Illinois is off to a disappointing begin after going 9-4 in 2025 and 10-3 in 2024. The protection is under common, whereas the passing mixture of Houser and extensive receiver Collin Dixon is likely one of the nation’s finest. Dixon is tied for third nationally with 9 landing receptions.

Illinois Michigan St Football — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema celebrates their additional time win over Michigan State as he walks off the sphere after an NCAA school soccer recreation, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Picture/Lon Horwedel) AP Picture/Lon HorwedelAP Picture/Lon Horwedel

Now Illinois heads into Saturday’s recreation in opposition to a resurgent Oregon protection, attempting to get Clayton on top of things.

His efficiency in opposition to MSU elevated expectations.

Houser left the sport late within the third quarter with Illinois main 23-10. Clayton accomplished 6 of 8 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. The ultimate landing got here in additional time on a 25-yard move that put Illinois up 38-31.

Sophomore quarterback Carson Boyd additionally performed. He rushed as soon as for seven yards however didn’t try a move.

Bielema and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. each stated Boyd might play in opposition to Oregon (4-2, 2-1), however Clayton is the starter.

Often, Bielema stated, his beginning quarterback will get plenty of relaxation throughout the bye week whereas the workers works on participant growth. Given Clayton and Boyd’s inexperience, each acquired worthwhile reps in observe final week.

“I feel these two guys specifically took benefit of each rep,” Bielema stated.

Bielema has leaned closely on switch quarterbacks throughout his six years at Illinois, together with Houser. However that might change if Clayton, a former three-star recruit, earns the job.

“I’ve stated a number of instances that hopefully the following starter comes from inside our program,” Bielema stated.

Lunney stated Clayton shall be extra ready than he has prior to now given the circumstances.

Michigan State football against Illinois 2026 — Michigan State Spartans defensive again Charles Brantley (4) tackles Illinois Preventing Illini extensive receiver Collin Dixon (17) in a Large 10 soccer recreation at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. on Saturday, October 10, 2026.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

“He is aware of he’s going to play now,” Lunney instructed reporters.

However so too might Boyd.

“We really feel like we’ve one other man on campus in that room that may assist us win and we’re very assured in that,” Bielema stated.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning stated it’s troublesome to scout Clayton given his restricted physique of labor. Oregon has watched a few of his highschool recreation movie. However principally, Oregon will give attention to Illinois’ system.

“There is likely to be wrinkles, however very hardly ever do folks change the id of their offense primarily based on a change of the place,” Lanning stated. “So that you put together and then you definately be sure you have solutions for what you suppose that ability set is.”

If Moore doesn’t return this week, Raiola and Thomas will compete for the beginning job in opposition to Illinois.

Raiola changed Moore at USC and thrived within the win, however following a bye, struggled for 3 quarters throughout a 17-15 loss to UCLA on Oct. 10. Thomas carried out higher within the fourth quarter and nearly pulled out the victory.

Thomas began Saturday’s 17-14 dwelling win over Nebraska, however struggled for 3 quarters earlier than Lanning turned to Raiola. He led the Geese from a 14-6 deficit to a win with a four-yard landing move to tight finish Jamari Johnson with 28 seconds remaining.

Lanning stated he’s assured in all 4 quarterbacks, together with sophomore Akili Smith Jr., who had a play package deal prepared for Nebraska if wanted.

Illinois is most acquainted with Raiola, who, as a Nebraska freshman in 2024, handed for 297 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in a 31-24 additional time loss to Illinois.

“Raiola is clearly a really achieved participant,” Bielema stated. “Type of nearly uncommon. You bought to nearly put together for presumably three quarterbacks on Saturday. However we’ll form of deal with that throughout the course of the week and see the place that goes.”