According to a post on his X account, junior kicker David Olano intends to enter the transfer portal. Just two days after giving Illinois (9-4) its second straight bowl win with a walk-off field goal, the Illinois native will depart from the program.
It’s a significant blow to the Illini’s special teams unit. Olano was one of the best kickers in the Big Ten. The junior was No. 4 in made field goals in the conference and was a perfect 44 for 44 on extra points. He also nailed two game-winners this year, one in the bowl game and one against USC.
With Illinois, Olano earned two All-Big Ten Honorable Mentions. The kicker also earned two Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week this season. One of them came after his performance against Purdue, where he had five field goals, tying the program record for most field goals made in a game.
The only other kicker on the roster is sophomore Lucas Osada, who hasn’t attempted a field goal with the Illini. Illinois may have to start the new year searching for a new kicker.
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