Katin Houser leads Illinois to season-opening victory over UAB
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 4:40 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score to lead Illinois to a 42-23 win over UAB in Thursday night's season opener in Champaign, Illinois. Houser completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards in his debut for the Illini. Illinois secured a halftime lead after a 54-yard Hail Mary pass from Houser to Ty Robinson as time expired in the second quarter. While the Illini offense capitalized on big plays, the team's new 3-5-5 defense struggled with missed tackles, allowing UAB to outgain them 413-333 in total yardage. UAB's Ryder Burton finished with 219 passing yards, one touchdown pass, and one rushing score. Illinois will host Duke on September 12, while UAB returns home to face Louisiana-Monroe on the same day.
- •Illinois defeated UAB 42-23 on Thursday night in Champaign.
- •Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes and recorded one rushing touchdown.
- •Collin Dixon caught two touchdown passes for 70 receiving yards.
- •Ismael Kante returned an interception 59 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown.
- •Illinois hosts Duke on September 12.
- 4:40 AMYahoo Sports — Katin Houser throws 3 TD passes and runs for a score as Illinois beats UAB 42-23 in season opener
- 4:23 AMYahoo Sports — Katin Houser Shines as Illinois Defeats UAB in Season Opener, 42-23
"Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score in his Illinois debut as the Illini defeated UAB 42-23 on Thursday night in a season opener. Houser, who transferred from East Carolina, completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards. Collin Dixon caught six passes for 70 yards and two TDs, and Ca’Lil Valentine rushed 11 times for 88 yards and a score.
"The Fighting Illini are 1-0 after taking down the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers at home.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 4:40 AMKatin Houser throws 3 TD passes and runs for a score as Illinois beats UAB 42-23 in season opener
Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score in his Illinois debut as the Illini defeated UAB 42-23 on Thursday night in a season opener. Houser, who transferred from East Carolina, completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards. Collin Dixon caught six passes for 70 yards and two TDs, and Ca’Lil Valentine rushed 11 times for 88 yards and a score.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 4:23 AMKatin Houser Shines as Illinois Defeats UAB in Season Opener, 42-23
The Fighting Illini are 1-0 after taking down the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers at home.
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