REPORT: Wes Lunt Is Transferring to Illinois

Sept. 8, 2012; Tucson, AZ, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Wes Lunt is transferring to Illlinois, per a report. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Kerker of Channel1450.com first reported via Twitter on Monday that former Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Wes Lunt is transferring to Illinois.

Lunt joining the Illinois Fighting Illini is a homecoming of sorts. The sophomore-to-be is a native of Rochester, Ill. where, in 2012, Rivals.com named him a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 7 overall Pro Style quarterback prospect.

Lunt enrolled at OSU early and earned the starting job as a true freshman, but injuries cost him his position early into the 2012 season. His transfer came amid a three-man race with fellow 2012 starters J.W. Walsh and Clint Chelf.

Lunt’s transfer generated some controversy, as OSU head coach Mike Gundy reportedly blocked the quarterback from moving to Southern Miss or anywhere in the Big 12 or SEC. Southern Miss hired former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken as its head coach in the off-season, while SEC member Vanderbilt was among the initial rumored destinations for Lunt.

Illinois head coach Todd Beckman beat out the Louisville Cardinals for Lunt’s services, and in doing so scores a major coup. Lunt is a talented passer with a high ceiling. New Illini offensive coordinator Bill Cubit oversaw a pass-heavy offense at the end of his tenure as Western Michigan’s head coach. Lunt’s background fits the style Cubit is likely to employ.

Lunt must sit out the 2013 season, and has three years of eligibility remaining.