CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters was a counselor at the famous Massing Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana, over the weekend. Peters tutored young aspiring quarterbacks along with some of the other top collegiate quarterbacks in the nation.

"Being able to take part in the MPA was a dream come true," said Peters. "Learning from some greats in Peyton and Eli and creating a connection with the youth was an incredible experience."

Peters is returning for his third season at Illinois in 2021. He has started 16 games at quarterback in the last two seasons, throwing for 2,313 yards and 21 touchdowns including the fifth-most touchdown passes in the Big Ten in 2019 (18).

Peters led Illinois to the 2019 Redbox Bowl after completing the biggest comeback in program history at Michigan State 11/9/19 to clinch bowl eligibility. He threw for a career-high 368 yards and three touchdowns in the 25-point comeback at Spartan Stadium and connected with TE Daniel Barker on a last-second touchdown pass to finish the 37-34 victory. He also threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns against No. 6 Wisconsin 10/19/19 to help Illinois win 24-23 and complete one of the biggest upsets in Big Ten history.

Peters graduated from Illinois in December 2020 with a master's degree in recreation, sport and tourism. He is pursing a second master's degree in strategic brand communications.