Veteran Illinois WR hops into transfer portal
Illinois wide receiver Donny Navarro will be finishing his college football career somewhere other than Champaign.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported on Friday afternoon that Navarro has entered his name into the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. He started his career at Valparaiso in 2017 before transferring to Illinois ahead of the 2018 season.
Navarro sat out of the 2018 season because of NCAA transfer rules but hopped into action for the Fighting Illini in 2019. Over the past three seasons, he’s made significant contributions in the passing attack.
#Illini wide receiver/returner Donny Navarro III is in the transfer portal as a graduate. He had 17 receptions for 167 receiving yards, and 16 punt returns for 121 yards this season.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 21, 2022
Last season, Navarro had 17 receptions for 167 yards. He also fielded 16 punts for 121 yards.
Navarro’s best year with the Illini came in 2019, his first year of eligibility with the program. That season, he totaled 27 catches for 345 yards and 2 touchdowns.
That was the only season Illinois reached a bowl game under head coach Lovie Smith. The Illini closed the regular season with a 6-6 record and earned a trip to the Redbox Bowl.
In three years at Illinois, Navarro had 600 yards on 52 catches. He was also utilized as a punt and kickoff return man over the course of his career, showing off his versatility.
Navarro will have one year of eligibility to use at his next landing spot. He will be immediately eligible for the 2022 season, as well.