Illinois adds experience at QB with Ball State transfer commitment
Illinois added Ole Miss transfer quarterback Luke Altmyer earlier this offseason and doubled down Monday afternoon, adding a commitment from Ball State QB John Paddock.
Paddock will join the team as a walk-on, but is expected to be strong competition for Altmyer as Illinois’ backup next season. He saw starting experience for the first time in 2022 after serving as Ball State’s backup for 4 seasons prior. Ball State finished 2022 with a 5-7 record under Paddock’s lead.
Ball State starting QB John Paddock has transferred to Illinois, @TheAthletic has learned.
Paddock threw for 2,713 yards (3rd in MAC) with 18 TDs and 14 INTs this season. Illini already added Ole Miss transfer QB Luke Altmyer this offseason.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) January 23, 2023
As you can see above, Paddock was one of the better quarterbacks in the MAC this past season, despite some turnover issues. He adds needed depth at the QB position, with all 3 of last season’s QBs now gone from the playing field, though Art Sitkowski is now an assistant with the Illini.