Illinois Football: How the Illini will look for the 2023 season
By Collin Allen
Key Illini returnees
The Playmakers
Whoever starts under center next season will not have to worry about a lack of weapons, with many key playmakers coming back in 2023.
As of now, the Illini are set to have four of its top six receivers back on the roster next season.
- WR Isaiah Williams, SO (81 REC, 709 YDS, 5 TD)
- WR Pat Bryant, SO (34 REC, 453 YDS, 2 TD)
- WR Casey Washington, JR (32 REC, 312 YDS, 9.8 YPR)
- TE Tip Reiman, JR (19 REC, 174 YDS, 9.2 YPR)
If Williams does return for his junior season, that would be a huge gift for Illini Nation. The sophomore was doing it all the for the Illini this season, leading the team in receiving and punt returning. His five touchdowns were third on the team, only behind Tommy DeVito and Chase Brown.
On the Defensive Side
We may be losing many crucial pieces of what was one of the nation’s best defenses, but we will also see many familiar faces return.
- DL Johnny Newton, SO (59 TKL, 5.5 sacks, 2 FR)
- DL Keith Randolph Jr, SO (53 TKL, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT)
- LB Tarique Barnes, JR (46 TKL, 1.5 sacks, 2 PD)
- LB Seth Coleman, SO (45 TKL, 4.5 sacks)
- DB Xavier Scott, FR (15 TKL, 1 FF, 1 PD)
- DB Matthew Bailey, FR (10 TKL, 1 FR, 3 INT)
I mentioned how we are losing some of our top talent on defense, but we also got a preview of how our freshmen defensive studs will contribute in the coming years in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Notably, Xavier Scott and Matthew Bailey stood out on Monday. The two combined for 11 tackles, one pass deflection, and one interception. Scott even delivered a couple hit sticks.
Don’t let Monday’s loss sting, Illini fans. Let’s celebrate the greatest season we’ve seen in over 15 years and recognize that we are on track to becoming Big Ten contenders. The tide is turning.
Next. 5 observations from the Illini loss to Mississippi State. dark