East Carolina’s Katin Houser announced his intention to enter the transfer portal back in December. On Sunday, January 4, his whereabouts for the 2026 season were confirmed.
Hauser will return to the Big Ten Conference and officially join Illinois.
Houser initially began his college career at Michigan State, redshirting in 2022 before becoming the primary starter in October 2023. The California native started seven games for the Spartans in 2023, passing for 1,130 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. Michigan State changed head coaches in the offseason, and Houser is starting over at East Carolina.
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Hauser leads the program to a bounce-back season in 2024, and the fit is great. He earned the starting job again in October and compiled a 5-2 record while passing for 2,006 yards, 18 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and four rushing touchdowns. Hauser led the Buccaneers to a thrilling victory over rival North Carolina State in the 2024 Military Bowl before electing to extend that into 2025.
East Carolina didn’t enter Conference USA contention until November, during Houser’s highly successful 2025 campaign. The quarterback currently ranks 19th in the FBS with 3,300 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 65.9 completion percentage. Houser also enjoyed his best rushing season to date, contributing 193 yards and nine touchdowns and often creating a threat at the goal line. ECU won its most regular-season games since 2014, but Hauser didn’t stay with the team for the Military Bowl. Still, the Buccaneers defeated Pitt 23-17, a two-touchdown deficit, to solidify their 9-4 season record.
Houser joins an Illinois team that graduated three-year starter Luke Altmyer, who had success with the Fighting Illinois last week, earning MVP honors at the Music City Bowl. Illinois is coming off back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time ever, and Hauser will be tasked with continuing that new streak.
When it comes to East Carolina, the Buccaneers have options. Chaston Ditta, who started and led the team to victory in the Military Bowl as a true freshman, is one of the potential 2026 starters. The Buccaneers could also add depth through the portal this January as they aim to build on a 9-4 season.