It didn’t take long for Illinois football kicker David Olano to go from kicking the walk-off, game-winning field goal in the Music City Bowl vs. Tennessee to entering the transfer portal. Olano made the announcement on his X account on Thursday morning.
“After deep consideration and many talks with my family, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal for my last year of eligibility,” Olano wrote. “This decision was not taken lightly, and while I’m excited for what lies ahead, a piece of me will always belong to Illinois. I will be forever thankful for this program.”
Olano’s game-winner against the Vols came from 29 yards out. He was 3-for-3 on kicks in the game, including two makes from inside 30 and one from outside. He also converted all three extra-point attempts.
Thank you Champaign! pic.twitter.com/pWHqrFX9Bh
— David Olano (@DavidOlano_) January 1, 2026
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On the year, Olano was 20-for-23 on field goals. He did not attempt any from over 50 yards out, though. He also did not miss an extra point. Now, he will enter the transfer portal for his final season of eligibility.
Tennessee may be in the market for a new place kicker, as well. Max Gilbert was the kicker for the Vols this season, but missed a few key kicks, which proved costly in multiple games, including the loss to Georgia at home and the Music City Bowl.
Other UT kickers currently on the roster include freshman Grady Dangerfield and kick-off specialist, punter and kicker Josh Turbyville. Gilbert has been the placekicker for the past two seasons, but Josh Heupel went to the transfer portal to get proven kickers in Chase McGrath from USC and Charles Campbell from Indiana in the past.
The transfer portal will officially open up on Jan. 2, 2026. Tennessee has plenty of positions it will need to address, alongside kicker.
