// Workers AI · dad joke modeIs Jake Renfro a baker? He kneads the info.
 Renfro at 2025 Big Ten Media Days | |
| No. 57 – Illinois Fighting Illini | |
|---|---|
| Position | Center |
| Class |  |
| Personal information | |
| Listed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Listed weight | 302 lb (137 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Illinois) |
| College | Cincinnati (2020–2022) Wisconsin (2023–2025) Illinois (2026–present) |
| Awards and highlights | |
| Stats at ESPN | |
Jake Renfro is an American college football center who plays for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He previously played for the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Wisconsin Badgers.
Early life
[edit]Coming out of high school, Renfro committed to play college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats over other offers such as Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern and Wisconsin, Columbia, Dartmouth, Princeton, and Yale.[1]
College career
[edit]Cincinnati
[edit]As a freshman in 2020, Renfro appeared in seven games with six starts.[2] In 2021, he started all 13 games and earned first-team all-American Athletic Conference honors.[3] However, in 2022, Renfro did not play in any games due to a season-ending knee injury.[4] After the 2022 season, he entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[5]
Wisconsin
[edit]Renfro transferred to play for the Wisconsin Badgers.[6] In 2023, he only played in the team's bowl game due to leg and foot injuries.[7] In 2024, Renfro started all 12 games.[8]
Renfro struggled with injuries in 2025, only playing four games before undergoing season-ending surgery in October. Following the season, Renfro announced he would be entering the transfer portal after being granted a seventh year.[9]
Illinois
[edit]On January 5, 2026, Renfro announced he was transferring to the Illinois Fighting Illini.[10]
References
[edit]- ↑ Clark, Mike (June 27, 2019). "Recruiting notebook: Jake Renfro picks Cincinnati, Brother Rice nabs a talented transfer and more". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Potrykus, Jeff (August 7, 2024). "Finally healthy, Jake Renfro is ready to serve as the anchor on Wisconsin's offensive line". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Potrykus, Jeff (January 9, 2023). "Bolstering their depth, Badgers adding a center from Cincinnati and a defensive end/linebacker from Michigan State". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Stewart, Mark (August 6, 2023). "Wisconsin center Jake Renfro knocks off rust after missing spring practice due to injury". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Temple, Jesse (January 12, 2023). "Wisconsin football gives Jake Renfro chance to fulfill Big Ten dream as transfer". The Athletic. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Potrykus, Jeff (December 28, 2023). "After long wait, center Jake Renfro set to make his Wisconsin debut: 'I'm ready to go.'". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Stewart, Mark (October 25, 2024). "'He is the quarterback of the O-line': A healthy Jake Renfro making difference for Wisconsin". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Graff, Dillon. "Jake Renfro Returning to Wisconsin Football for the 2025 Season". Athlon Sports. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ↑ Cox, Lorin (December 11, 2025). "Wisconsin Badgers lineman will enter transfer portal and play for 7th college season". si.com.
- ↑ @IlliniFootball (January 5, 2026). "Welcome to the FamILLy, @JakeRenfro_" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).