The college football transfer portal window opened Friday and will stay open until Jan. 16.
The Tribune is tracking some of the key portal moves for local teams and players.
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Monday
Illinois signed former Wisconsin center Jake Renfro.
Cincinnati center Jake Renfro prepares to snap the ball against Navy on Oct. 23, 2021, in Annapolis, Md. (Julio Cortez/AP)
What it means: Renfro, who started 13 games for Cincinnati in 2021 and 12 games for Wisconsin in 2024, arrives at Illinois for a seventh year of college due to a few injury-marred seasons.
The Providence graduate played in just four games for the Badgers in 2025 while battling ankle and knee injuries. The Illini needed a new center with starter Josh Kreutz out of eligibility.
The Illini also added wide receiver depth with Florida Atlantic’s Jayshon Platt, who had 46 catches for 720 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games this past season as a junior.
Other portal signees are Division II Chowan quarterback Maurice Smith — whom the Illini list as an “athlete” — Penn defensive lineman Carter Janki and East Texas A&M defensive back Lavon Williams.
Illinois safety Matthew Bailey and cornerback Juice Clarke announced they will return next season.
What it means: Bailey, an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection as a junior in 2025, announced on social media he would return. He had a team-leading 76 tackles (including 59 solo), four tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one quarterback hurry and two pass breakups in 12 games before missing the Music City Bowl to have shoulder surgery.
Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games.
Notre Dame backup QB Kenny Minchey reportedly flipped his commitment to Kentucky.
What it means: Minchey originally had committed to Nebraska, but a day later ESPN reported he changed course and committed to join new Kentucky coach Will Stein instead.
Minchey was the backup to CJ Carr this past season after losing a training camp battle.
Illinois kicker David Olano reportedly signed with Texas A&M
What it means: Olano, who made the winning field goal in Illinois’ Music City Bowl win over Tennessee, announced Thursday he was hitting the transfer portal.
On Monday, the Naperville North alumnus signed with Texas A&M, according to On3.com. He made 37 of 43 field-goal attempts the last two seasons, including the winner against USC this season.
Sunday
Former East Carolina and Michigan State QB Katin Houser signed with Illinois
What it means: Illinois needs a new quarterback with three-year starter Luke Altmyer out of eligibility. Houser arrives in Champaign after throwing for 6,438 yards and 43 touchdowns with 22 interceptions over four seasons at Michigan State and East Carolina.
In his second season at East Carolina this year, Houser completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also rushed for 181 yards and nine touchdowns.
‘Tough as nails’ Luke Altmyer puts a fitting finish on one of Illinois’ most successful QB tenures
Notre Dame backup QB Kenny Minchey and DE Josh Burnham are moving to the Big Ten.
What it means: Minchey, the backup to CJ Carr this past season, has committed to Nebraska, ESPN reported. Minchey, who was at Notre Dame for three seasons, lost a close training camp battle to Carr in the summer. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 196 yards in 2025.
Carr will return for his second season as the starter in 2026, but the Irish will need a new backup.
Burnham announced on social media he committed to Indiana. Over 40 games at Notre Dame, he had 65 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, six sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two passes defended.