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Three More Illinois Football Players Are Set to Transfer – What It Means

In addition to kicker David Olano, three more Illini players have announced that they plan to move on from Champaign
Jared Shlensky|
Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois' Bret Bielema became the first head coach in program history to win at least nine games in back-to-back season, and also the first Illini coach to win a bowl game in consecutive seasons, after Illinois beat Tennessee 30-28 in Tuesday's Music City Bowl in Nashville.

But Bielema's quest to do turn both tricks in a third straight season may become more difficult with the departure of several players. After kicker David Olano announced his intention to enter the transfer portal Wednesday, three more Illini – tight end Cole Rusk, defensive back Kaleb Patterson and offensive lineman Kellen Francis – indicated on Wednesday that they would be moving on as well.

Cole Rusk's background

Rusk spent two seasons in Champaign after previously playing at Eastern Michigan and Murray State. The former FCS All-American missed the entire 2024 campaign because of a knee injury he suffered in fall camp, but he put up solid numbers as a redshirt junior in 2025.

In 12 games, Rusk caught 19 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown and was consistently utilized when Illinois was in 12 and 13 personnel.

How Rusk's departure affects Illinois

Considering how much Bielema loves utilizing his tight ends, Rusk's departure is a bigger deal than some may realize. Yes, Rusk was third-string on Illinois' depth chart, but the Illini are fond of cycling in personnel at the position and using a lot of two- and three-tight-end sets.

And it's not like Rusk was limited to blocking duties. He has decent speed and hands for a tight end, and he likely would have found himself more involved in the offense next year, especially with Tanner Arkin having exhausted his eligibility.

Kaleb Patterson's background

Kaleb Patterson, a former junior college star, spent two seasons in Champaign and is arguably the biggest loss of the three latest Illini losses. After starting all 12 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2024, Patterson started only three games this season.

Still, Patterson made the most of those opportunities, recording 14 tackles, one pass breakup and two fumble recoveries in a limited role.

Patterson's best year came in 2024, when the first-year Illini recorded 31 tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a pair of pass breakups. He graded out as the fifth-best cornerback in the nation (88.6), per Pro Football Focus.

How Patterson's departure affects Illinois

Patterson, a physical corner who isn't afraid to get involved in the run game, had a legitimate shot of replacing Torrie Cox Jr. as one of Illinois' starting cornerbacks next year. Replacing his experience won't be easy.

It's possible that Patterson received NIL offers from other schools that the Illini weren't willing to match, or it could be that he simply read between the lines: Belleville (Illinois) West recruit Nick Hankins is expected to arrive in Champaign next season ready to plug and play, and Morgan Park (Illinois) athlete Nasir Rankin could also get some burn in the defensive backfield right away.

Kellen Francis' background

A junior college transfer originally from Princeville, Illinois, Kellen Francis spent two seasons in Champaign, redshirting in 2024 before getting his first action with the Illini in 2025. Francis dressed in the Illini's first three games but didn't see the field after the Western Michigan game.

How Francis's departure affects Illinois

Francis was pretty low on the depth chart and probably wasn't going to work his way up past third string next year, so his departure shouldn't have a great effect on the Illini on the field. Illinois landed multiple highly rated junior college offensive linemen in its 2026 recruiting class, making Francis' chances of seeing the field even less likely.

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Jared Shlensky
JARED SHLENSKY

Jared Shlensky is a contributing writer for On SI and a freelance play-by-play broadcaster. Jared was previously a sports betting writer for Yardbarker, an On-Air YouTube Personality for the Sports Geek and a minor league play-by-play broadcaster.

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