Illinois starts freshman Michael Clayton II against Oregon after quarterback injury
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 2:52 PM
Last updated Oct 20, 2026
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema will start freshman Michael Clayton II at quarterback for the game against Oregon on Saturday. Clayton takes over for Katin Houser, who is out indefinitely due to a fracture in his throwing hand. This marks a deviation from Bielema's previous strategy of relying on transfer quarterbacks over the past six seasons. Bielema noted the team's open week allowed quality practice time to prepare for Clayton's first start. The Illini return to action following a break and look to build momentum after a victory against Michigan State with Clayton under center.
- •Bret Bielema begins transition to homegrown quarterbacks.
- •Michael Clayton II leads Illinois against Oregon on Saturday.
- •Katin Houser out indefinitely after hand surgery.
- •Illinois returns from bye week with momentum.
- 2:52 PMYahoo Sports — When it comes to starting quarterbacks, Bielema might be changing his ways
"Oct. 20—CHAMPAIGN — For the first six seasons of his Illinois coaching career, Bret Bielema's starting quarterbacks have been transfers ... until now. Freshman Michael Clayton II will take the opening snap against Oregon on Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium (2 p.m. on BTN) as the Illini return from their open week. He replaces Katin Houser, who suffered a fracture in his throwing hand at ...
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