CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois baseball team made a significant move in the transfer portal by landing a new recruit in late June, bringing fresh talent and promise to their roster.
In an exciting development, the Illini secured a commitment from catcher Quinn Schambow, who has transferred from Oklahoma State to join their ranks.
As a freshman at Oklahoma State in 2026, Schambow did not see much action, stepping up to bat only four times during the season. Yet, his high school career in Illinois was nothing short of remarkable.
Schambow honed his skills at Libertyville High School, situated in the Chicago suburbs, where he made a significant mark by helping the Wildcats clinch their first-ever state championship in his senior year. His impressive performance earned him accolades as the 2025 Prep Baseball Illinois Player of the Year, along with a spot on the NHSBCA All-America Second Team.
Schambow’s senior year statistics are a testament to his all-around prowess. He boasted an impressive batting average of .449, skillfully complemented by his abilities on the base paths and in the field. His 27 stolen bases and a 2025 High School Rawlings Gold Glove Award stand as further proof of his excellent defensive skills and speed.
Naturally, the lack of playing time was a change of pace throughout Schambow’s first year of college. However, he made the decision to stay bought in, and commit to getting better each day, rather than being disappointed he didn’t get more starts.
“It was something I needed, I felt like,” Schambow told WCIA. “”It was hard, but switching your mindset to just learning and growing and hey, I’m hitting with Matt Holliday. I’m hitting with Josh Holliday, one of the best coaches in college baseball every day. I have a great catching coach who’s taught me so much. There’s so much there’s so many positives you can take out of it versus just looking at it like, ‘Oh, I’m not playing.’ No, I woke up every day and I was excited to go play… My love for the game kind of exceeded after this year. It just made me realize how bad I want it.”
He comes to Champaign with the belief he can see the field more, after the Illini graduated Will Johannes.
Schambow had his summer baseball cut short, after starting in the Northwoods League, due to a fracture in his left hand.