Illinois pulls off wild Hail Mary touchdown pass to close out first half vs. UAB

The 2026 college football season kicked off with a wild moment as Illinois claimed the first Hail Mary touchdown of the year against UAB on Thursday. With just under 30 seconds left in the half, UAB managed to score a touchdown, bringing the Illini within a point. Illinois took over the ball with a mere 18 seconds remaining. On one final play, with only four seconds left on the clock, Illini quarterback Katin Houser decided to go for the Hail Mary.

After holding the ball for more than the four seconds allowed, he launched the ball an astonishing 54 yards into the end zone. Several Illini receivers, along with Blazers defenders, were positioned to catch the pass. Remarkably, receiver Ty Robinson caught the ball amidst the commotion, juggling it briefly before securely bringing it down for a touchdown.

This 21-13 score propelled the Illini to a halftime lead. The game had started as a 22-point underdog, but Illinois managed to control the ball towards another touchdown right at halftime. Quarterback Houser, a redshirt senior transfer from East Carolina, showcased his arm strength with the Hail Mary. He also found junior receiver Collin Dixon in the end zone twice: with an 18-yard throw on the team's first drive of the first half and then with a 14-yard throw through traffic in the second half. This story will be updated.