Illinois adds USC transfer Josh Imatorbhebhe

Former USC Trojan, Josh Imatorbhebhe, has officially committed to the Fighting Illini per his Twitter account.

A former four-star recruit and the No. 29 wide receiver in the class of 2016, Imatorbhebhe was in high demand out of North Gwinnett High School in Georgia. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver ultimately chose USC over programs including Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Ohio State. Imatorbhebhe redshirted as a freshman, was limited to just two catches for 11 yards in 2017, and saw action in only one game in 2018.

Trying to determine who’s playing wide receiver for Illinois in 2019 has been like playing the proverbial shell game—blink and you’ll miss the one with the ball. A.D. Miller transferred to Illinois, then reconsidered and returned to Oklahoma. Jeff Thomas transferred to Illinois, then reconsidered and returned to Miami. Dejon Brissett transferred to Illinois, then reconsidered and committed to Virginia. And don’t get us started on Luke Ford...

No matter how you feel about Lovie Smith’s progress (or lack thereof) as Illinois’ head football coach, he and his staff have at least identified the need for a top-tier wideout to help out a beleaguered and mostly-unproven receiving corps. Perhaps this newest addition could be the answer.

Imatorbhebhe becomes the third former Trojan to join the Illini this offseason, in addition to fellow wideout Trevon Sidney (more on him here) and defensive end Oluwole Betiku (more on him here). If you recall, there was almost a fourth — QB Matt Fink flirted with Illinois before deciding to return to Southern Cal.

Imatorbhebhe — along with having a sweet last name — has two seasons to suit up for the Illini. He’s a very impressive athlete and a legitimate vertical threat. As for who will be throwing him the football? Stay tuned...