Illinois Football Transfer Linebacker Hits the Road West

Originally posted on Armchair Illini
By Kirkland Chappell | Last updated 5/6/24

Illinois Football Transfer Linebacker Hits the Road West

Former Illinois Football outside linebacker Jared Badie announced on X that he has committed to his next destination. The Oswego, Illinois native was an exciting pickup for Bret Bielema’s staff. A 3-star recruit, Jared was the 12th-ranked player overall in the state of Illinois in the class of 2022. While he had plenty of potential to develop a great career for Illinois in the Big Ten, it seems that he was ready for a change of scenery.

After announcing his departure from the program during the spring football transfer portal window, Jared committed to heading west. Of course, In hopes of making his way onto the field in a more productive role for the Aztecs.

Committed! All glory to God. @AztecFB @RobAurich pic.twitter.com/g03pBfB3TD

— Jared Badie (@JareddBadie15) May 6, 2024

Jared Badie Breakdown

Badie is a 6’4, 255lb sophomore Outside linebacker/Edge originally from Oswego East High School. He had a number of power-five offers during his prep recruitment. In fact, he picked Illinois over offers from Tennessee, Michigan State, and Minnesota. He played in seven games for Illinois football in 2023, totaling 1 solo tackle. Certainly, he is very young in his career and could have taken a step forward under Aaron Henry’s defensive staff. However, Jared decided to enter his name in the spring portal window and move on from the Illini. Jaded is a big-bodied Outside linebacker/edge rusher type, who certainly holds the framework of a good Big Ten defender. With his abilities, he will look to terrorize quarterbacks in the Mountain West Conference.