Illinois quarterback Rivers enters transfer portal

Austin Yattoni

Illinois quarterback M.J. Rivers gets tackled during the game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 21. Rivers will enter the transfer portal for the upcoming season, leaving Illinois without a quarterback with starting experience.

By Alec Busse, Contributing Writer

Illini freshman quarterback M.J. Rivers announced via Twitter Saturday night he will be entering the transfer portal due to “personal circumstances.”

“The road to your dreams often are not straight and narrow, usually they have bumps, curves, and dips,” River said in a tweet. 

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As a freshman, Rivers played in seven games for the Illini and completed 55% of his passes with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

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During spring practices Rivers split first-string reps with fellow freshman Matt Robinson.

Rivers’ announcement leaves Illinois without a quarterback with starting experience on the current roster.

On Sunday, Illinois will host Penn State graduate-transfer Tommy Stevens for a visit. After limited experience at Penn State, Stevens’ has a 58% completion percentage with four touchdowns and one interception.

@alec_busse

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