Illinois Fighting Illini Transfer Portal Tracker 2024-25: List of players leaving Bret Bielema's Fighting Illini
The Illinois Fighting Illini had a strong season as they finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, including a 6-3 mark in Big Ten play. They were able to pick up two wins against ranked opponents, while two of their three losses came against teams that reached the College Football Playoff.
With the transfer portal now officially open, several players have already announced their intention to change programs.
Here's a closer look at which Illinois players were among that group, via 247Sports.com.
Illinois Fighting Illini transfer portal tracker 2024-25
#1. Donovan Leary, Quarterback
Donovan Leary joined the Illinois Fighting Illini as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He appeared in just two games, throwing for 29 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 2-of-5 pass attempts. Leary announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 12.
#2. Cal Swanson, Quarterback
Cal Swanson joined Illinois as a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He did not see the field during his tenure with the program. Swanson announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 8.
#3. Kenari Wilcher, Wide Receiver
Kenari Wilcher joined the Fighting Illini as a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He appeared in 22 games, recording eight receptions for 71 yards. Wilcher added 22 kickoff returns for 477 yards. He announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 11.
#4. Henry Boyer, Tight End
Henry Boyer joined Illinois as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He appeared in 25 games, recording three receptions for 20 yards. Boyer announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 15.
#5. Nate Guinn, Tight End
Nate Guinn joined the Fighting Illini as a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He did not see the field during his tenure with the program. Guinn announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 9.
#6. Hunter Whitenack, Offensive Lineman
Hunter Whitenack joined Illinois as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He appeared in 28 games during his tenure with the program. Whitenack announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 8.
#7. Kevin Wigenton II, Offensive Lineman
Kevin Wigenton II initially joined the Michigan State Spartans as a three-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He appeared in 16 games during his tenure with the program. Wigenton II joined Illinois via the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season and appeared in three games. He announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 7.
#8. Enyce Sledge, Defensive Lineman
Enyce Sledge initially joined the Auburn Tigers as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He appeared in just two games with the program and did not record any stats. Sledge joined the Fighting Illini via the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season.
He appeared in four games in his lone season with the program, recording two total tackles, one of which was a tackle. Sledge announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 4.
#9. Chase Canada, Cornerback
Chase Canada initially joined the Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals as an unranked prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. After one season at the junior college level, he joined Illinois ahead of the 2024 season. Canada appeared in nine games during his lone season with the program and did not record any stats. He announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 7.
#10. Demetrius Hill, Safety
Demetrius Hill initially joined the FIU Panthers as a three-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He appeared in 16 games, recording 98 total tackles, 53 of which were solo tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and two passes defended.
Hill joined Illinois via the transfer portal ahead of the 2023 season. He suffered a season-ending injury in his program debut and has not seen the field since. Hill announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 12.
#11. Declan Duley, Punter
Declan Duley joined the Fighting Illini as a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He did not see the field during his tenure with the program. Duley announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 9.