Senior quarterback Ethan Hampton announced he is transferring to Illinois on the afternoon of Dec. 19 via a post on his X profile. The 6-foot-3 senior transfer from Northern Illinois is Illinois’ second portal addition, following the signing of senior linebacker Leon Lowery just two days ago.
The Elburn, Illinois native finished the 2024 season at Northern Illinois with 144 pass completions for 1,600 yards, 12 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 58.3%. He led the Huskies to a 7-5 finish and their second bowl game appearance in as many years. Hampton had previously committed to Wake Forest but reopened his recruitment after head coach Dave Clawson resigned.
“We’re always trying to figure out what that best solution is for each position,” said Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. to Sports Illustrated. “And to be successful (at that position), you’ve gotta have depth, you’ve gotta have a broad spectrum of talent and a wide range of experience for that room to be healthy.”
Although Hampton did not put up huge numbers at Northern Illinois, his addition brings Football Bowl Subdivision starting experience to Champaign, replacing sophomore quarterback Donovan Leary, who entered the transfer portal on Dec. 12. This gives the Illini a proven, veteran option to back up junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, who is returning for his senior season in 2025.
Hampton can obtain another season of eligibility after 2025 due to his 2022 season, where he only started four games due to an injury, which could qualify him for a medical redshirt.
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The Illini are excited about the future at quarterback with redshirt freshman Trey Petty, as well as incoming freshmen Carson Boyd and Jershaun Newton. With his experience, however, Hampton may be in the running for the starting job in 2026.
