Kody Case thought he was going to be a Wyoming Cowboy.

Instead, the South Dakota transfer will suit up in the Navy and Blue for head coach Bret Bielema this season, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing in the B1G.

“It was kind of crazy, and you know how the portal goes. It’s kinda crazy,” Case told The Illini Inquirer. “It’s kind of funny, I was actually on my way to Wyoming. I had committed there and then Coach B gave me a call while I was on the road and said, ‘Come down, we have a spot available for you.’ I turned around as I was on my way to Wyoming and then ended up here.”

Case totaled 82 receptions for 1,157 yards and 9 touchdowns in 4 seasons at South Dakota. He decided to transfer upon graduation and committed to Illinois in July, landing in a wide receiver room that failed to produce a receiver with over 600 yards receiving.