Kenari Wilcher Transfer Portal: 3 landing spots
Illinois wide receiver Kenari Wilcher has entered the transfer portal. While the Illini have fared well, Wilcher has seen more action as a kick returner than as a receiver. Accordingly, he's in the portal and will look for another home for his two remaining seasons of eligibility.
Wilcher caught just four passes in each of his two seasons with the Illini, for a total of 71 receiving yards. He has seen most of his action as a kick returner, averaging 21.7 yards per return across the two years at Illinois.
A 6-foot target from Florida, Wilcher has next-level speed and is likely seeking a destination where he can get a shot at receiver. The good news is there are plenty of teams that might be interested in giving Wilcher his opportunity.
Here are three likely portal landing spots.
Kenari Wilcher Transfer Portal: 3 likely landing spots
#3. Florida International
FIU is credited by 247sports as the first FBS school to offer a scholarship to Wilcher. While FIU stood to return two talented wideouts in Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson, both have entered the transfer portal after coach Mike McIntyre was fired. The FIU roster is now depleted for playmakers, and a 4-8 team wasn't exactly well-stocked anyway.
Wilcher could return home to Florida and doubtlessly get an extended look at receiver as well as returning kicks for the Golden Panthers. It's a way from the Big Ten to FIU, but Wilcher might be willing to consider the move.
#2. Florida State
On the other hand, Wilcher doesn't have to leave the realm of big-time college programs to find a Florida team that needs his services badly. After a brutal 2-10 season, Florida State is in the market for almost everything. Florida State's top two receivers were seniors, so there's a definite vacancy.
Wilcher can return to his Florida roots and get plenty of playing time while trying to lift the Seminoles from their doldrums. It's a plausible answer for his logical next stop.
#1. Indiana
Other than Illinois, Indiana was the only other school to which Wilcher took an official visit. While Wilcher picked the Illini, he could easily have gone the other direction. While Illinois has had a fine season, Indiana has had a historic one. Wilcher could be a pass target in one of the country's most productive offenses.
That said, Indiana does still have some recruiting issues. There's not a big recruiting base for the Hoosiers to work from. The chance to pick up an experienced kick returner who can get some work as a receiver might appeal to Indiana and be a mutually beneficial situation.
What do you think of our Kenari Wilcher portal landing spots? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.