CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football coach Lovie Smith has been significantly more open to adding graduate transfers this offseason. Alabama transfer offensive lineman Richie Petitbon has already worked into the starting lineup this spring. Richmond transfer wide receiver Dejon Brissett will provided needed depth at the position when he arrives.
The lastest graduate transfer to commit to Illinois, though, comes with the highest profile. Former five-star defensive end Oluwole Betiku Jr. announced Thursday afternoon he would join the Illini after starting his career at Southern California.
Betiku was was ranked as the No. 1 weakside defensive end, the No.