Cal DT Chinedu Odeogu officially transfers to Illinois

It’s official now, Chinedu Odeogu is headed to the Illinois Fighting Illini as a grad-transfer.

He became a graduate of the California Golden Bears just moments before he announced his destination of Illinois in what became quite a life-changing Saturday.

Odeogu heads to Illinois and head coach Lovie Smith, heading back east towards home, closer to where went to high school in Rockville Maryland. A former three-star recruit from Georgetown Prep School, Odeogu played a total of 413 snaps over his Cal career, recording 15 solo tackles in the process. He played in just two games this past season and announced his decision to transfer earlier this offseason.

A big man, Odeogu stands at 6’4, 270 pounds but logged all of four combined plays this past year due to the rotation and a season-ending injury. He spoke with the Illini Inquirer about what it means to join Illinois

“I’m definitely excited to come in, fresh start and work and basically just get what I earn,” Udeogu said. “I’m excited for that, I’m excited to play in the Big Ten and just take advantage of this opportunity.”

“It was really good, man,” Udeogu said. “I just graduated. Obviously it didn’t go exactly how we wanted it to go, but I was still able to celebrate it with my roommates and my friends. It’s been good.”

The news is a good move for him and for his family as he was actually raised outside of Chicago and though he played football and finished his high school career on the east coast, said a draw to Illinois was coming home.

He’ll all pursue a Master’s degree in the process. A real win-win.

Good luck, Chinedu!