East Carolina Katin Houser announced his intent to enter the transfer portal back in December. On Sunday, Jan. 4, his whereabouts for the 2026 season were confirmed.

Houser is heading back to the Big Ten, officially committing to Illinois.

Houser originally launched his college career at Michigan State where he took a redshirt in 2022 before becoming the primary starter in October 2023. The California native started seven games for the Spartans in 2023, throwing for 1,130 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions. Michigan State underwent a head coaching change that offseason and Houser started anew at East Carolina.

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The fit was seamless as Houser spearheaded a bounce-back season for the program in 2024. He earned the starting role again in October, posting a 5-2 record while collecting 2,006 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, as well as four rushing touchdowns. Houser guided the Pirates to a thrilling victory over rival NC State in the 2024 Military Bowl and then elected to run it back for 2025.

East Carolina was in the American Conference contention circle as late as November during Houser’s highly-successful 2025 campaign. The quarterback is currently 19th in the FBS with 3,300 passing yards, delivering 19 touchdowns to six interceptions on a 65.9 completion rate. Houser enjoyed his best rushing season to date as well, contributing 193 yards and nine touchdowns as a frequent goal line threat. ECU won its most regular season games since 2014, but Houser did not remain with the team through the Military Bowl. Still, the Pirates upset Pitt 23-17 as two-touchdown underdogs to cement a 9-4 season.

Houser joins an Illinois squad that graduates three-year starter Luke Altmyer, who completed a successful stint with the Fighting Illini last week by winning MVP honors of the Music City Bowl. Illinois generated back-to-back 9-win seasons for the first time ever, and Houser will be tasked with continuing that newfound success.

For East Carolina, the Pirates have options. Chaston Ditta, who started and led the team to victory as a true freshman in the Military Bowl, is one potential starter for 2026. The Pirates could also add depth through the portal this January as they aim to build upon this 9-4 season.