TCR Reacts: Most fans not ready for start of Michael Clayton II era
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 03: Michael Clayton II #7 of the Illinois Fighting Illini throws a pass against the UAB Blazers prior to the game at Gies Memorial Stadium on September 03, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, whether you like it or not, Katin Houser won’t start for the foreseeable future — maybe even again this season.
Illinois’ quarterback left last week’s win over Michigan State — his former team — in the second half, and it gave way to Michael Clayton II to play the hero and lead the Illini to an overtime win.
This week, we took the question to you and asked who you would want to see start (if healthy).
90% of fans chose either Clayton or Houser, but Houser edged out the true freshman 45% to 44%.
Only 11% of fans think Carson Boyd is the guy, despite him being Houser’s backup for much of the first half of 2026.
Despite entering the break at 3-3, Illinois still has a chance to reach bowl eligibility. According to FanDuel, the big question is whether the Illini can still pull off at least two more wins and secure five on the season.
Illinois regular-season win total odds (according to FanDuel)
Illinois is off this week before hosting a disappointing Oregon squad at Memorial Stadium next Saturday on CBS.
Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.