Football

Illini land center Renfro from transfer portal

Wisconsin transfer set to anchor new-look offensive line

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Jan 5, 2026

Illinois players wait in the tunnel as they prepare to run onto the field before the team’s game against Western Illinois on Aug. 29, 2025.

After a busy day Sunday that saw Illinois add quarterback Katin Houser, safety Lavon Williams and defensive lineman Carter Janki from the transfer portal, the team continued to add on Monday.

Illinois signed former Wisconsin three-star center Jake Renfro, according to 247Sports’ Chris Hummer.

Renfro appeared in only four games this season for the Badgers as he battled ankle and knee injuries. In 2024, he started every game on an offensive line that allowed just 13 sacks all season.

The center began his collegiate career at Cincinnati in 2020 and earned First Team All-AAC honors in 2021. He transferred to Wisconsin for the 2023 season.

It’s a sort of homecoming for the Mokena native, who played at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.

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Without Josh Kreutz, the team had a clear need at center next season, and Renfro is a strong candidate to fill the vacancy.

@BrendanGallian

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About the Contributors

Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor

Hey, I’m Brendan. I’m a junior journalism major from Oak Lawn, Illinois. I like telling stories,and try my best to express that through writing. I’m minoring in history, and I enjoy studying local history both here in Champaign-Urbana and back home in Oak Lawn. I’m also a baseball nut, long-suffering White Sox fan and a proud Eagle Scout.

Isaac Pinkus, Photo Editor

Hello, I’m Isaac! I am a junior in materials science and engineering with a focus in metallic and ceramic materials. I started at The Daily Illini in Fall 2023 as a staff photographer; I became Assistant Photo Editor at the end of my first year and now, since Spring 2025, I am the Photo Editor. Outside of The DI, I am an avid board game enthusiast, potter and cook. I look forward to learning more about photography and photojournalism.