Bret Bielema isn’t ready to name Illinois’ starting quarterback.

The Illini opened training camp on Saturday. Tommy DeVito, a transfer from Syracuse, and returning Illini quarterback Art Sitkowski are the 2 contenders for the starting job.  Samari Collier recently entered the transfer portal. Bielema said he was not surprised, adding that Collier wasn’t in the mix for the starting job.

Bielema was asked after practice when he might be ready to name QB1.

“Just over a steady dose of time, you know after 2 weeks, if there was somebody who was just heads and shoulders above,” Bielema told reporters. “Obviously, in the execution of the offense, but the quarterback, he’s different. That guy’s got to have leadership skills. He’s got to have the ability to handle adversity. He’s got to be able to bring others along with him. He’s got to be able to take criticism when things don’t go well. I think someone has to separate themselves over a period of time. I don’t think it’s a one-day evaluation and promotion. It’s somewhat of a cumulative effect.”

“Tommy is truly one of those guys that embraces and enjoys and loves life every day. Very outspoken demeanor,” Bielema said.

Sitkowski is also outspoken.

“Art is kind of a coaching voice — very authoritarian,” Bielema said. “Not afraid to dictate. Not afraid to speak up. Not afraid to criticize of others, but also himself, in a positive way.”

Bielema did not commit to publicly announcing a starting quarterback but said that all coaches and players will know who the starting quarterback is by Sunday of game week when the Illini begin prep for the season-opener against Wyoming.