Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

There have been some legendary offensive linemen come through the Illinois football program. But it is difficult to map out where they should rank all time in the history of the team. One offensive lineman I have up there in the rankings is Alex Agase.

The skill that Agase brought to the game of football as a guard is tough to match. He was one of the best in the nation at his position and was recognized for his talent. Agase earned First-Team All-American honors during the 1942 and 1946 campaigns. His 1946 season was a consensus pick.

Illinois had some solid seasons while Agase was with the program. The final year for Agase in Champaign was special. The team went 8-2 on the year with their only losses coming to Notre Dame and Indiana. Despite those two tough losses, the Illini won the Big Ten that season and then pummeled UCLA 45-14 in the Rose Bowl.

The Illini had some good years with Agase blocking on the offensive line. His legacy probably isn’t chronicled enough in the Illinois record books. He was one of the best to ever suit up for this program and is a big reason we were able to win a Rose Bowl title. That is why he is No. 14 on this list.