Updated

Former Oklahoma State University quarterback Wes Lunt, a native of Rochester, Ill., is transferring back home to Illinois.

Last fall, Lunt became the first true freshman to start the season under center for the Cowboys since 1950 and started five games, but was sidelined with an injury.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder will have to sit out for the 2013 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he threw for 1,108 yards and six touchdowns for OSU last season and still has three years of remaining eligibility to help the Illini return to glory after a 2-10 campaign in 2012.

Lunt's decision to transfer didn't come without criticism. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy reportedly limited the quarterback's transfer list of schools he wished to attend and would not allow him to leave for any fellow Big-12 Conference or Southeastern Conference programs.