Illinois coach Tim Beckman has named Wes Lunt as starting quarterback, making official what Illini fans have long expected.

Beckman said offensive coordinator Bill Cubit gave Lunt the news Wednesday before practice.

Beckman has insisted Lunt was competing with Reilly O'Toole and Aaron Bailey for the starting spot, but few doubted the strong-armed Lunt would be the starter.

Lunt transferred to Illinois from Oklahoma State but is from Rochester, just outside Springfield. He said Wednesday that getting the starting nod is "a dream come true."

Lunt started as a freshman at Oklahoma State in the 2012 season before losing the job to injury. He sat out last season under NCAA transfer rules.

Illinois opens its season at home against Youngstown State on Aug. 30.