The Fighting Illini are 1-0 after taking down the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers at home.
Fighting Illini fans saw exactly what they wanted to see out of transfer quarterback Katin Houser.
Making his debut in navy and orange, the former East Carolina passer dazzled during Thursday night's season opener against the UAB Blazers. Houser threw for three touchdowns and added a score with his legs as Illinois surged for its first victory of the fall, 42-23.
The graduate transfer passer completed 13 of his 17 pass attempts for 182 yards and went for 29 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Collin Dixon was responsible for two of Houser's passing touchdowns, hauling in a career-high six receptions for 70 yards. Ca'Lil Valentine had 11 carries for 88 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Illinois ran just 43 plays against UAB's 79 and was outgained in overall yardage, 413-332. The Blazers ran for 194 yards on the Illini defense.
UAB marched right down the field on the opening drive, led by a strong run game. The Blazers reached the red zone, but an offensive holding penalty and a massive sack by Division II transfer Ean Rhea backed UAB out of field-goal range.
Return man Mac Resetich took the subsequent punt back 65 yards, setting the Illini offense up with good field position. Houser found a wide-open Dixon in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown, putting Illinois ahead by seven early.
The Blazers once again moved the ball on the Fighting Illini defense, but were forced to settle for a field goal. Illinois wasted no time before striking back, as Valentine scampered down the sideline for a 51-yard score.
Barry Lunney Jr.'s offense stalled, though, allowing the Blazers to crawl back into the game. After UAB forced a turnover on downs at midfield, Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton found running back Rod Robinson II for a 10-yard touchdown, cutting the Illini advantage to 14-13 with 18 seconds remaining in the first half.
Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players and UAB players leap for a Hail Mary pass during the first half at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images By the time UAB's offense returned to the field in the second half, Illinois had extended its lead to 28-13.
Eighteen seconds was all the Illini needed. After several quick passes got Illinois near midfield, Houser launched a pass toward the end zone as time expired. The ball was bobbled by several UAB defenders before Illinois receiver Ty Robinson — a graduate transfer from Ball State — hauled in the 54-yard Hail Mary.
The Fighting Illini took advantage of the momentum with another touchdown coming out of the intermission. Houser found Dixon in the end zone for the second time on a 14-yard score up the seam.
From there, Illinois began to pour it on. Houser ran for a six-yard touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter, then linebacker Ismael Kante intercepted a last-gasp Burton pass on fourth down and returned it 59 yards for the score.
The Fighting Illini will host Duke in the second game of the season on Saturday, Sep. 12.
