Wide Receiver
Illinois is replacing its top two receivers from 2024. Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin combined for 109 receptions, 1,636 yards, and 14 touchdowns. These two players made up 60% of Illinois’ receiving production.
Stepping up as the starting wide receivers are projected starters Hudson Clement, Malik Elzy, and Collin Dixon. Clement brings the most production in the group, accounting for 741 yards and 5 touchdowns at West Virginia last season. Elzy caught for 77 yards and 1 touchdown, and Dixon totaled 264 yards and 0 touchdowns.
Illinois also brought in Justin Bewick, who totaled 383 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2024; however, he will need an adjustment period after playing at Eastern Illinois and Ball State.
In 2024, Luke Altmyer gave Illinois its most productive season from a starting QB since 2015 in terms of passing yards. Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin were the two focal points of the passing offense. This new group of wide receivers will have big shoes to fill.
Defensive Line
Illinois will be replacing all three starters on the defensive line. Ezekiel Holmes, TeRah Edwards, and Dennis Briggs headlined the interior of Illinois’ 3-4 front, and they are no longer with the program.
These three positions will be filled by three transfers- James Thompson Jr, Curt Neal, and Tomiwa Durojaiye. Thompson Jr posted 29 tackles and 3 sacks in 2023 before medically redshirting in 2024. Neal posted 29 tackles and 0.5 sacks for Wisconsin. Durojaiye posted 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks at West Virginia in 2023 before playing only 4 games for Florida State in 2024.
The backups at these positions include Pat Farrell, Angelo McCullom, and Carter Hewitt. Farrell totaled 4 tackles last season. McCullom totaled 2 tackles last season. Hewitt totaled 52 tackles last season, though he is transferring in from FCS Northern Iowa.
This position group is filled with inexperienced players and some players who missed the majority of the 2024 season.
Can Luke Altmyer take the next step?
Altmyer had some positive signs of growth from 2023 to 2024. His interception total decreased by 40% despite playing 4 more games. His average yards per attempt increased from 7.0 to 7.8. His passer rating increased from 132 to 144.
However, his completion percentage dropped 4 points, going from 64.8% to 60.8%. Altmyer must improve the accuracy in order to take advantage of his limited opportunities. Illinois ranked 103rd in the country for passing attempts per game.
Given Altmyer’s low number of attempts, his completion percentage must increase for this offense to be efficient on a down-to-down basis.
Is this the Illinois breakthrough season?
Illinois ended the regular season on a 3-game winning streak to finish 9-3. The Fighting Illini then defeated South Carolina in a major bowl game, finishing the season 10-3.
In 2025, the Illini will not face any of the three teams that defeated them in 2024, including Oregon and Penn State. They also avoid Michigan. In addition to the friendly schedule, Illinois will return 76% of its overall production from 2024. Furthermore, Illinois returns both its offensive and defensive coordinators.
The big victory over South Carolina put Illinois in the national spotlight for the upcoming season. Now, everyone sees the returning production, and spectators across the country are expecting a playoff push from the Illini. Can Illinois use its veteran roster and friendly schedule to break through the playoff barrier in 2025?
