From Penn to the Big Ten: Why Carter Janki Chose Illinois Football (Transfer Portal Interview)

Host Austin Burklund welcomes Carter Janki, the newest defensive line addition to the University of Illinois football program. Formerly a standout at the University of Pennsylvania, Janki discusses his transition through the transfer portal and his decision to choose Illinois over other major programs. We explore his unique athletic background—ranging from high school triple-option quarterback to all-state volleyball player—and how those skills translate to the defensive interior. Janki also shares his first impressions of Coach Bret Bielema and the vision the defensive staff has for his role in the upcoming season. Timestamps 00:12 – Welcome to the Armchair Illini podcast with host Austin Burklund. 00:56 – Sponsorship shoutout: Hamilton Walkers in Champaign-Urbana. 01:33 – Introducing transfer defensive lineman Carter Janki. 02:01 – Growing up in Ohio and the football culture in Connecticut. 02:43 – How playing middle in volleyball helped his skill set as a defensive lineman. 03:33 – Career evolution: Playing quarterback in high school before moving to the D-line at Penn. 05:19 – The competitive talent level and depth of Ivy League football. 06:31 – The Transfer Portal process: Visiting Illinois, Penn State, and Duke. 07:31 – Meeting Bret Bielema and the "culture and family" atmosphere in Champaign. 08:14 – Building a rapport with the defensive coaching staff. 09:44 – Defensive Role: Envisioning Janki at the 3 and 5 technique. 10:06 – A family-first approach: Carter’s message to the Illini fanbase. Keywords Illini Football Carter Janki Austin Burklund Bret Bielema Transfer Portal University of Illinois Ivy League Defensive Tackle