Big Ten Football Star Transferring After Spring Practice

2024 was a breakout season, as McCray nearly eclipsed the three previous years' output in 13 games. He helped lead Illinois to a 10-3 record and a win in the Cheez-It Bowl over South Carolina. McCray was named MVP of that game after rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

The spring transfer portal is set to open on Wednesday before closing again on April 25, giving players and programs a little over one week to finalize commitments. 

2024 marked Illinois' first 10-win season since 2001. They'll look to build on that success in 2025, as head coach Bret Bielema enters his fifth season with the program. Illinois has never won 10 or more games in back-to-back seasons, and it will be difficult to repeat that record in a conference like the Big Ten.

The Illini will face a pair of College Football Playoff teams in Indiana and Ohio State, as well as USC this year. Illinois is avoiding some of the bigger teams in the conference like Penn State, Oregon and Michigan, but there's no such thing as an easy schedule in the Big Ten.

As for McCray, he should have several options to choose from in the transfer portal. An experienced running back who has proven themselves against elite competition is a valuable commodity, and he will likely move from Illinois to a more prestigious program.

We've seen players like Jayden Daniels, Quinshon Judkins and Caleb Williams flourish after transferring to new schools. With a new opportunity and more of a focused role in 2025, we'll see if McCray can build on his breakout season in 2024 and become one of the best running backs in all of college football.