Illinois quarterback starter change due to injury

The Oregon Ducks are set for an intriguing matchup this Saturday, but they won't be facing a team with a strong quarterback situation. Instead, their opponents from Illinois will have to rely on freshman Michael Clayton II, who has yet to start a game in his college career.

Clayton's emergence as the starter is due to the injury suffered by Katin Houser during a 38-37 overtime win over Michigan State on October 10th. The quarterback broke his hand and will be sidelined for four to six weeks, forcing coach Bret Bielema to prepare Clayton for his first start.

The situation at Illinois isn't ideal, especially considering their disappointing start to the season after back-to-back winning records in 2024 and 2025. However, the timing of Houser's injury has worked in favor of the team, as it occurred before their bye week.

Bielema expressed relief about the timing of the injury, saying "it was just good timing during his media session on Monday. The Illinois coach now has two weeks to prepare Clayton for the challenge ahead against the Oregon Ducks.

The Oregon Ducks' defense has been gaining momentum, posing a significant challenge to Illinois's quarterback Clayton as he prepares for his first start. Despite the tough opposition, Clayton has shown promise in his limited playing time, including a standout performance against Michigan State where he completed 6 of 8 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

His outing was impressive, especially considering it came in overtime when Illinois needed him to deliver. The final touchdown he threw, a 25-yard pass, sealed the win for the team. With expectations high after this display, Clayton will be under scrutiny as he takes on the Oregon defense.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Collin Dixon has been making waves with his nine touchdown receptions, tying him for third nationally in this category. His chemistry with quarterback Houser is undeniable, and their passing combination is considered one of the best in the country.

The bye week was a chance for Illinois's quarterbacks to get some much-needed rest and development, but coach Bielema made an exception for Clayton and Boyd.

Clayton and Boyd got significant playing time in practice last week, with both coaches and players acknowledging that they took full advantage of the opportunity.

Bielema has a history of relying on transfer quarterbacks during his six years at Illinois, but he's also expressed a desire to develop talent from within the program.

The coach has hinted that if Clayton earns the starting job, it could mark a shift in his approach, with a focus on promoting homegrown talent rather than relying on transfers.

Oregon's coaching staff has another player in mind who could potentially start against Illinois on Saturday.

We feel like we have another guy on campus in that room that can help us win and we're very confident in that, said Bielema.

The Oregon coach, Dan Lanning, acknowledged that scouting Clayton is challenging due to his limited playing experience.

Oregon has reviewed some of Clayton's high school game footage as part of their evaluation process.

However, the focus will remain on Illinois' system rather than trying to decipher Clayton's individual strengths and weaknesses.

There might be wrinkles, but very rarely do people change the identity of their offense based on a change of the position, Lanning noted.

If Moore is unable to return this week, Raiola and Thomas will compete for the starting job against Oregon.

Raiola had a successful stint in place of Moore at USC before struggling in his next game.

The Ducks' quarterback situation remains uncertain ahead of their matchup against Illinois on Saturday. A four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jamari Johnson with 28 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner in a previous contest.

Oregon's depth at quarterback is evident as they prepare for possible scenarios involving up to three quarterbacks in action. The Illini, however, are more familiar with one of those potential starters, who had a notable performance against them as a freshman in 2024.

As Illinois prepares for the Ducks' visit on Saturday, their coach has acknowledged the opposing team's quarterback situation, stating that it is obviously very accomplished" and requiring special preparation. The game will take place at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, with kickoff set for noon PT.