Illinois Men's Golf Lands Top-10 Transfers Dane Huddleston and Freddie Turnell

Illinois men's golf has landed two of the nation's top transfers in Dane Huddleston and Freddie Turnell via the portal this offseason

May 31, 2021; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; University of Illinois golfer Michael Feagles putts on the ninth green during the NCAA Men's Golf Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The reputation of Illinois' men's golf program continues to flourish after alum Brian Campbell won the John Deere Classic in a playoff last Sunday, coming on the heels of more significant news: In May, the Illini landed All-American Dane Huddleston from Utah Valley back, while sophomore Freddie Turnell came aboard after transferring from Arkansas-Little Rock in late June.

The Illinois alum gets the victory in Illinois!

Brian Campbell wins the @JDCLASSIC for his second PGA TOUR victory of the year. pic.twitter.com/UKIXJu90L3

— Illinois Men’s Golf (@IlliniMGolf) July 6, 2025

After a mildly disappointing No. 18 finish at the NCAA Men's National Championship, and following the graduation of Byron Nelson award recipient Jackson Buchanan, a skeptic might have wondered whether the Illini were due for a step back. But Huddleston and Turnell – considered two of the nation's top 10 transfers – will fortify a group that will already bring back All-American honorable mention Max Herendeen and allow Illinois to take aim at yet another Big Ten championship (of which the Illini have won 13 of the past 16).

What's more, the transfer moves are likely to pay dividends both right away and beyond next season. Huddleston, the 2025 WAC Golfer of the Year and the only All-American in Utah Valley history, is ready to deliver immediately. But so should Turnell – the only freshman to be named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference first team – has three years of eligibility remaining. And with two years left for Huddleston, coach Mike Small and the Illini have the mix in place to keep competing at the highest levels for the foreseeable future.

Orange and Blue is going to look good on Dane Huddleston.

🟠 2025 WAC Golfer of the Year
🔵 Won five individual tournament titles in the 2024-25 season
🟠 Utah Valley’s all-time leader in career victories pic.twitter.com/SGxxLadvGS

— Illinois Men’s Golf (@IlliniMGolf) May 20, 2025

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Predicting Illinois Basketball's Leaders in Major Statistical Categories

Illinois Commit Mihailo Petrovic Still Missing From Roster: What It Means

Who is Illinois Basketball's X-Factor – and What Is His Ceiling and Floor?