Illinois prepares to start Michael Clayton against Oregon's uncertain QBs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 11:53 PM

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

Illinois prepares to start Michael Clayton against Oregon's uncertain QBs
Summary

Illinois hosts Oregon on Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium, continuing their season after a recent bye week. The Illini, sporting a 3-3 record, look to build on their overtime victory against Michigan State. Both teams will be without their starting quarterbacks due to injuries, with Illinois expected to start true freshman Michael Clayton. Oregon's quarterback situation remains fluid, likely rotating between Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas, each of whom has seen time this season. Illinois coach Bret Bielema praised both Clayton and Carson Boyd's preparation during the bye week, emphasizing the need for mental and physical stability in a quarterback.

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Status Watch
  • •Illinois is 3-3 after an overtime win against Michigan State.
  • •Michael Clayton is expected to start for Illinois due to injuries.
  • •Oregon's Dante Moore is still recovering from a concussion.
  • •Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas might share quarterback duties for Oregon.
  • •The game kicks off Saturday at 2 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
Latest Updates
  • 11:53 PMYahoo Sports — Young QBs step into the spotlight as Illinois hosts Oregon
What they're saying
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Both the Illini and the Ducks will be without their starting QBs.

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