You Can Start The Wes Lunt To Illinois Rumors Now

There have been rumors involving Oklahoma State quarterback Wes Lunt and a transfer for a while now, and based simply off of those rumors there have been Illini fans whispering that Lunt could transfer to Illinois. Well, those whispers and rumors are only going to get louder now.

Wes Lunt is leaving Oklahoma State.

STILLWATER - Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy announced today that quarterback Wes Lunt will transfer.

"We appreciate Wes and we thank him for everything he has done," Gundy said. "He's leaving on good terms and is making this decision based on what he thinks is best for his future."

Lunt started five games for the Cowboys as a true freshman in 2012 and was OSU's first true freshman opening-day starter at quarterback since at least 1950. Injuries derailed his season, but he still finished with 81 completions in 131 attempts for 1,108 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions.

"This was not a decision I took lightly, but it is a decision that I felt was right for me," Lunt said. "I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the entire Oklahoma State University community. Specifically, I would like to thank the coaches, players, and the whole OSU football family. I wish the Cowboys the best of luck in the future."

Lunt said he did not have a transfer destination set at this time.

Now Lunt says he doesn't have a destination set at this time, and the odds are that he's going to find himself with plenty of suitors. And there's a good chance that Illinois may just be one of those potential suitors.

Lunt, a four-star member of Oklahoma State's 2012 class, is from Rochester, Illinois, just a 90-minute trip west on I-72. Illinois was also one of many schools to offer the 6'5 quarterback a scholarship out of high school before he ultimately decided to go to Oklahoma State.

The question is whether or not Lunt will want to reconsider the Illini and come home. I know I'd like to see him do so because he's shown to have quite a bit of talent. While his overall numbers aren't great, when a quarterback can come in as a true freshman and throw for 436 yards and 4 touchdowns against Arizona, and 324 yards against TCU, that's pretty damned impressive.

Yes, before he got hurt, Lunt had thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, but, again, he was a true freshman starting at quarterback in a BCS conference. Growing pains are to be expected.

As for whether or not Lunt will end up in Champaign, I can't be sure. He's going to have to sit out a season before he's eligible to play again, and will he want to commit to a coaching staff that may not even be here when he's finally able to get back on the field?

Would you?

So, yes, I hope Lunt comes to Illinois. It'd make me incredibly happy, I'm just not expecting it.

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