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Illinois vs. Maryland Preview: How to Watch, Injury Report & Odds
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- Illinois vs. Maryland Preview: How to Watch, Injury Report & Odds
Just three weeks after breaking his hand against Michigan State, Illinois Fighting Illini starting quarterback Katin Houser is back.
Houser was originally slated to return between four and six weeks. On Wednesday's injury report, the graduate transfer passer was listed as 'doubtful,' and Houser was upgraded to 'questionable' on Friday night. By Saturday morning, Houser was listed as a game-time decision.
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On the season, Houser has completed 66.3% of his passes for 1,440 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. Since Houser exited the game against the Spartans, true freshman Michael Clayton II has led the Illini to an overtime win over Michigan State and an upset win against Oregon. Clayton has completed 17 of his 26 passes for 172 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Maryland recently fired head coach Mike Locksley, who had led the program since 2019. In the interim, the Terrapins are being led by Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who previously served as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.
The Terps are just 2-5 on the season, including 0-4 in Big Ten play. They've lost five consecutive games since starting 2-0, with blowout losses to UCLA, Nebraska and Ohio State.
Here's everything you need to know before the Illinois Fighting Illini face the Maryland Terrapins on the road:
Michigan State's Kenny Soares Jr., right, tackles Illinois' Katin Houser during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
How to Watch
Illinois Fighting Illini (4-3, 2-2 B1G) at Maryland Terrapins (2-5, 0-4 B1G)
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Location: SECU Stadium | College Park, Md.
Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11:00 a.m. CT
TV: FS1 | Announcers: Noah Reed (play-by-play), Mark Helfrich (analyst)
Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network | Announcers: Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), Kevin Mitchell (sideline)
Betting Odds (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Betting Line: Illinois -3
Moneyline: Illinois -142, Maryland +120
Over/Under: 54.5
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Injury Report
Illinois Fighting Illini
WR Jayshon Platt: Out
QB Katin Houser: Game Time Decision
RB Ca'Lil Valentine: Out
DB Tywan Cox: Out
LB Grant Beerman: Out
DL Carter Smith: Out
OL Kai Pritchard: Out
DL Demetrius John: Out
OL TJ McMillen: Out
TE BJ Thurman: Out
Maryland Terrapins
LB Zahir Mathis: Out
WR Josiah Teasley: Out
RB DJ Samuels: Out
LB Jordan Williams: Out
RB Harry Dalton III: Out
OL Trevor Szymanski: Out
DL Jayvon Parker: Out
