Well-traveled linebacker Christian Bell will finish his collegiate career at Illinois in 2020.
Originally a member of Alabama’s 2016 recruiting class, Bell transferred to Wisconsin and played three seasons with the Badgers before making another move.
“Thank you (Illinois coach) Lovie Smith and the rest of the staff for this opportunity,” Bell posted on his Twitter account Tuesday, adding the hashtag IlliniNation.
As a graduate transfer, the 6-foot-4, 249-pound Bell will be eligible to play immediately.
Illinois finished 6-7 in Smith’s fourth season at the helm in 2019, earning the program’s first bowl selection since the 2014 season.
Bell appeared in 24 games over the past three seasons with Wisconsin, tallying eight tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.
Originally a three-star recruit in the Crimson Tide’s Class of 2016, Bell participated in spring practice that year with Alabama before deciding to transfer. He sat out the 2016 season under NCAA rules.
