M.J. Rivers entered 2019 as a likely favorite to start at quarterback for Illinois.
Turns out, that won't happen.
Rivers announced his decision to transfer away from Illinois via a note on his Twitter account on Saturday night, citing "personal circumstances."
Rivers had just wrapped up spring practice for the Illini two weeks ago, getting reps with Matt Robinson and Coran Taylor as Illinois offensive coordinator Rod Smith had not announced a starter yet for the 2019 season.
Rivers went 56 of 101 for 547 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions as a true freshman last season for the Illini, seeing action in eight games.