Illinois Football: How the Illini will look for the 2023 season

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Sep 17, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Luke Altmyer (7) on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Illini newcomers

After Monday’s loss, Bret Bielema mentioned how the Illini have taken advantage of the transfer portal, which has been absolute chaos this offseason.

#illini Bret Bielema: I don't want to make a huge living in the portal but it gives us a chance to replace old players.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 2, 2023

The Illini did just that when landing Ole Miss transfer QB Luke Altmyer, who could very well take the keys to the offense in 2023. Altmyer, a former four-star high school recruit, announced on December 29 he will be transferring to Illinois.

Let’s go #Illini pic.twitter.com/q4mjYUbu5r
— Luke Altmyer (@lukealtmyer9) December 29, 2022

Altmyer, the No. 8 transfer portal quarterback for 2023, will have some competition, though. Keep an eye out for Donovan Leary and incoming freshman Cal Swanson to push Altmyer for the starting job. The spring game will be very interesting to watch this year.

The Orange and Blue also struck gold when snagging transfer offensive lineman and former four-star recruit, Avery Jones. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound interior offensive lineman started in every game for East Carolina this season. He was listed as the No. 5 offensive lineman in the transfer portal for 2023.

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