We are into the month of August, and that means Illinois football is right around the corner.
With the season on the horizon, that also means it is time to look at who could possibly start for the Illini in 2023. There are plenty of possibilities, and now that Bret Bielema is the head coach, Illinois actually has some quality depth.
Illinois had four players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft and six others signed undrafted deals with teams. Despite that fact, I am impressed with how much talent we are bringing back this season.
Here is the projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – defense
Defensive Lineman #1
- Starter: Jer’Zhan Newton
Illinois has an all-timer on its hands with Johnny Newton. Last season, Newton made the All-Big Ten first team and was either a second or third-team All-American. He now enters the 2023 campaign as a preseason first-team All-American and one of the projected top-20 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Obviously, I have Newton starting on the Illinois defensive line. The Illini can go back and forth between a 3-4 and a nickel look, but regardless, the defensive line will have some monsters up front. Newton is going to be the anchor that holds down the Illinois defense this season. I am excited to see how he handles more double teams. This is going to be a true test for this incredible talent.
- 2nd String: Bryce Barnes
As the primary backup to Newton, I have Bryce Barnes leading the way. He is a senior this season and will provide some valuable depth and experience. Barnes played in 12 games last season for the Illini, and he would finish the year with eight tackles. I expect him to fill in a few times per game.
- 3rd String: Dylan Davis
On the third string, I have Dylan Davis. He is someone who transferred into the Illinois program in 2022 but switched positions. Davis was an FCS freshman All-American in 2021 as an offensive lineman. He then became a defensive tackle in 2022. Davis didn’t see action on the defense, though. His only two games for the Illini came on special teams. He also took a redshirt.
- 4th String: Evan Kirts
Illinois snagged Evan Kirts from the class of 2019. He hasn’t played much since joining Illini, with his first action coming last season on special teams. Kirts would make two tackles in 2022. I expect him to be a fourth-string player for Illinois in 2023.
Defensive Lineman #2
- Starter: Keith Randolph Jr.
You can’t have the Law Firm without Keith Randolph Jr. He and Johnny Newton form one of the most dangerous one-two punches in all of college football. Randolph has been a big part of the Illinois football team since joining the program in 2019. He has 19 starts on the defensive line, and that number will grow in 2023.
This upcoming season, Randolph will start for the Illini. He will be a part of one of the greatest defensive lines in program history. The country is taking notice of his talents as well. Randolph is a preseason third-team All-American and is on multiple defensive award watch lists.
- 2nd String: Denzel Daxon
Illinois received some depth on the defensive line this offseason. Coming out of high school, Daxon was a top 700 recruit. Teams like Miami (FL), Florida, and Georgia wanted him. He would commit to Ohio, but he couldn’t get things off the ground, as he had 11 tackles and a sack in two seasons. Illinois is now getting a defensive lineman we can mold into another NFL Draft pick. I have Daxon as the primary backup to Randolph this season.
- 3rd String: Jeremiah Warren
On the third string, I have freshman Jeremiah Warren. Illinois doesn’t have a ton of depth on the defensive line, but we did bring in a few big-time recruits from the class of 2023. Warren was a three-star recruit who was the No. 1340 player in the 2023 class. I don’t think he will have to play much as a freshman, but we at least have him back there just in case.
- 4th String: Mason Muragin
Another defensive lineman Illinois has coming in from the class of 2023 is Mason Muragin. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 1286 player in the 2023 class. I think Muragin is going to be interchangeable with Warren, but I have him as the fourth-string defensive lineman. Again, I don’t think he will be called upon too much in 2023. It wouldn’t shock me to see Muragin redshirt.
Defensive Lineman #3
- Starter: TeRah Edwards
The third member of the starting defensive line is TeRah Edwards. Now that Calvin Avery has departed, Illinois needed a great replacement, and it is time for Edwards to step up. He started his career at Northwestern but didn’t get much traction there. Edwards then transferred into the Illinois program for his sophomore season in 2022.
Last year, Edwards had a pretty good campaign. He would finish with 14 tackles and a sack, and he would play in every game for the Illini. I fully expect Edwards to have a pretty good 2023 campaign. The attention will be focused on Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph Jr., so there will be times Edwards has free lanes or one-on-one situations. This is a chance for him to rack up some big-time stats.
- 2nd String: Sed McConnell
Behind Edwards is some experience in Sed McConnell. He took a redshirt in 2021 and then played in seven games in 2022. The former three-star recruit is going to get his chance to see increased time this season. I have McConnell as the primary backup to Edwards in 2023. If he can play well enough, who knows, maybe he even sees a start or two.
- 3rd String: Alex Bray
Illinois’ depth includes some talented freshmen. It would worry me if we have to use our freshmen this season, but the talent coming in from the 2023 class is impressive. In the third-string role, I have incoming defensive lineman Alex Bray. He is a three-star recruit who is the No. 1166 player in the 2023 class. I love Bray’s size, and he will be a huge asset down the road. Hopefully, he can take a redshirt this season, though.
- 4th String: Christian Lorenzo
I have Christian Lorenzo at the bottom of the depth chart when it comes to the defensive line. He was a freshman last season but didn’t see any playing time. Lorenzo would take a redshirt. I don’t expect him to see a snap in 2023 unless the game is a blowout.
Outside Linebacker
- Starter: Gabe Jacas
One great thing about the NCAA football rules is the fact that you have to be three years removed from high school to leave for the NFL. That means we get Gabe Jacas for two more seasons. I love to hear the hype about the Illinois defensive line, but I think people should be talking about Jacas.
Jacas is coming off a freshman All-American campaign where he dominated. He was also an All-Big Ten honorable mention. Jacas would finish his freshman season with 36.0 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks. I have him entering the 2023 campaign as one of the starting outside linebackers for the Illini. He is going to get plenty of opportunities to rack up the stats when the double teams are directed toward Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. This season is going to be exciting.
- 2nd String: Laine Jenkins
Illinois does have some quality depth at outside linebacker. This is a position of emphasis, so Bret Bielema loaded up. In the second string, I have incoming junior college transfer Laine Jenkins taking over. He was the No. 49 JUCO player in the class of 2023, and Illinois was able to flip him from Oklahoma. I think Jenkins I going to make a big impact on the Illini this season.
- 3rd String: Ezekiel Holmes
Continuing the theme of depth, I have senior Ezekiel Holmes in the third string for the Illini. He is someone who could start for the program, but injuries have hurt his chances. He actually played in three games and started one of those contests before missing the rest of the season due to injury. Let’s see if Holmes can get back up to speed and do some damage to opposing offenses.
- 4th String: Trey Smith
I don’t think he is going to play in 2023, but I have Trey Smith as the fourth-string outside linebacker entering the season. He is a freshman and is coming into the program as a three-star recruit who was the No. 944 player in the 2023 class. My guess is that Smith will redshirt this season and will be unleashed in 2024.
Inside Linebacker
- Starter: Tarique Barnes
I think there is a reason Illinois doesn’t keep a ton of inside linebackers on the roster and is loading up on defensive backs. We are going to play more of a nickel defense heading into the future. So, I think it is going to be a 3-3-5, meaning there is likely to be just one inside linebacker. The starter I have for 2023 is Tarique Barnes.
Barnes has been fun to watch the past few seasons, and it is comforting knowing that Illinois has a ton of experience starting at linebacker. Barnes has 25 starts at linebacker in his career, and he is now entering his final season as the starter at inside linebacker again. I think he is going to be able to add to his 46.0 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, and 1.0 quarterback hurries in 2023.
- 2nd String: Kenenna Odeluga
There were a couple of options as the primary backup to Barnes, but I went with Kenenna Odeluga. He was able to play in every game for the Illini last season, and he finished with 8.0 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and 1.0 pass deflections. I think Odeluga is a solid second-string inside linebacker, and he gives Illinois some good depth.
- 3rd String: Dylan Rosiek
In the third string, I have Dylan Rosiek. Some people might see him more as a second-string player, but I think there is a chance he and Odeluga are interchangeable in 2023. Rosiek finished the 2022 campaign with 8.0 tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss. This season will be about development for the future.
- 4th String: Jojo Hayden
I don’t think Jojo Hayden will be needed in 2023, but I have him as the fourth-string inside linebacker. The East St. Louis star is coming into the program as a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 1024 player in the class of 2023. Hayden shouldn’t be used much this season, and I fully expect him to take a redshirt. I think he will be a big piece of the linebacker corps in the coming years, though.
Outside Linebacker
- Starter: Seth Coleman
I know Illinois lost a ton of talent in the secondary from last season, but we are returning an impressive amount of talent in our front six. Seth Coleman is not being talked about enough. I believe he will enter the 2023 campaign as the other starting outside linebacker for the Illini.
Coleman is coming off a season where he started 12 games for Illinois. He now has 19 starts under his belt and continues to impress each time he is on the field. Coleman also improves his numbers each season. He finished 2022 with 45.0 tackles, 6.0 pass deflections, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. I could see those numbers taking another jump with so much attention on the Illinois defensive line.
- 2nd String: Alec Bryant
Illinois was able to receive an underrate transfer back in 2021. Alec Bryant bolted the Virginia Tech program and picked the Illini. He was unleashed in 2022 and would finish the season with 11.0 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 quarterback hurries, 1.5 sacks, and 1.0 pass breakups. I think Bryant enters 2023 as the primary backup at outside linebacker. He will get his snaps, though. Bryant will make an impact this season.
- 3rd String: Jared Badie
A player I am excited about is Jared Badie. I have him in the third string, but his future is so bright. Badie played a little last season but ended up taking a redshirt. He is a former top 700 recruit who checks in at 6-foot-3, 225-pounds. This kid is going to be a beast. I think Badie sees snaps in 2023 but then blossoms in 2024 and beyond.
- 4th String: Pat Farrell
I don’t think Pat Farrell will see much action in 2023, but I have him down here as the fourth-string outside linebacker. Farrell is entering the Illinois program as a three-star recruit who was the No. 1238 player in the class of 2023. I would bet he takes a redshirt this season and then is a solid depth piece in 2024.
Cornerback
- Starter: Taz Nicholson
While Illinois did lose a lot of defensive back talent from the 2022 squad, we are returning one of the starters in Taz Nicholson. Nicholson joined the program in 2020 and by 2021, he was seeing starts. So far, Nicholson has started 12 games in his career, with 10 starts coming last season. He missed the last three games with an injury, though.
I have Nicholson as a starting cornerback for Illinois once again. He got a chance to play alongside some impressive defensive backs in 2022, and now he is the leader of this secondary. Nicholson finished 2022 with 19.0 tackles, 6.0 pass deflections, 1.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 interceptions, and 1.0 forced fumbles. I see those numbers taking a big jump this upcoming season.
- 2nd String: Zachary Tobe
Bret Bielema has been impressed with numerous players, one of whom is Zachary Tobe. He is a freshman who is entering the Illinois program as a three-star recruit who was the No. 988 player in the class of 2023. Tobe enrolled at Illinois early, so he has been acclimated to the program already. I actually have him as the primary backup to Nicholson at cornerback to start the season. This kid has a bright future.
- 3rd String: Jaheim Clarke
Illinois is going to have to rely on freshmen to make an impact in the secondary this season. In the third string, I have Jaheim Clarke. He is a freshman who was a three-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 1340 player in the 2023 class. I don’t think Clarke will see too many snaps this season. If things go right, he should probably take a redshirt.
- 4th String: Nick Fedanzo
Since joining the Illinois program, Nick Fedanzo hasn’t gained too much traction. He came in as a running back but switched over to defensive back. He has only played on special teams, so I don’t expect him to see snaps in the Illinois secondary this season.
Safety
- Starter: Matthew Bailey
Most of the players heading to the 2023 NFL Draft didn’t play in the bowl game. This allowed for the future to get some experience. Matthew Bailey played in every game for the Illini as a true freshman, and then he got his first start against Mississippi State in the ReliQuest Bowl.
Bailey would finish his 2022 campaign with 10.0 tackles, 3.0 interceptions, 2.0 pass deflections, 1.0 forced fumbles, and 1.0 fumble recoveries. He was a nice backup piece for the Illini, and I think he moves into a starting role at safety for Illinois in 2023.
- 2nd String: Nicario Harper
Illinois did a good job bringing in safety talent to help out the starters. I like the addition of Nicario Harper. He joined the program after spending time with both Jacksonville State and Louisville. Last season, he saw action in six games with the Cardinals and then entered the transfer portal. I have Harper pegged as the second-string option to Bailey. At least we have some experience in the second level.
- 3rd String: Clayton Bush
Another option behind Bailey is Clayton Bush. He transferred in from Southern Illinois and should be an asset in the secondary. It wouldn’t shock me to see Bush compete for the primary backup job, but for now, I have him as the third-string safety.
- 4th String: TJ Griffin
Illinois also has TJ Griffin who provides some depth for the program. Griffin came in from the class of 2022, but he ended up taking a redshirt last season. I don’t expect Griffin to get too much work, but he is a nice piece to have deep on the depth chart.
Safety
- Starter: Demetrius Hill
I can’t wait to see what some of the transfers do for the Illini this season. Demetrius Hill was one of the biggest transfer portal additions for the program. He decided to bolt the Florida International program and picked Illinois as his landing spot.
In his redshirt freshman season in 2022, Hill would amass 95.0 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 forced fumbles, 2.0 pass deflections, 1.0 sacks, and 1.0 interceptions. This great number earned him Freshman All-American honors. Now Illinois is getting the talented defensive back. I have Hill coming in and starting for the Orange and Blue at safety. I think this secondary is going to sneak up on some teams.
- 2nd String: Solo Turner
Backing up Hill at the safety position is Solomon Turner. He joined the Illinois program last season but he had to sit it out due to it being his second transfer. In 2021, Turner played safety for Hawaii and ended up with 22.0 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 forced fumbles, and 1.0 sacks. I think he is a solid depth piece and someone who will see snaps in 2023.
- 3rd String: Saboor Karriem
Illinois has so many talented freshmen coming in from the class of 2023. I can’t wait to see what Saboor Karriem becomes with the program. He is entering as a four-star recruit who was the No. 345 player in the 2023 class. It wouldn’t shock me to see Karriem work his way up the depth chart. I don’t think he takes a redshirt. I think Karriem makes an impact in 2023.
- 4th String: Tyson Rooks
In 2022, Tyson Rooks got to see action in three games but then ended up taking a redshirt. He had a tackle on the season, but I think he is our fourth-string safety entering the 2023 campaign. This gives Rooks more time to develop. He probably won’t see snaps this season.
Cornerback
- Starter: Xavier Scott
Illinois had some big-time contributing freshmen last season. One of those freshmen was Xavier Scott. He was thrown to the wolves and came out stronger than ever. Scott played in 11 games for the Illini and even started the bowl game against Mississippi State.
As a freshman, Scott would finish with 15.0 tackles, 1.0 pass deflections, and 1.0 forced fumbles. He performed well in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and I think he now has a chance to step up and start for Illinois. I think he is the other starting cornerback in the Illini secondary heading into the 2023 campaign.
- 2nd String: Tyler Strain
I don’t think Scott is going to dominate the snaps this season, though. Tyler Strain is a talented defensive back, and I have him as the second-string option to Scott. Strain can hold his own. As a redshirt freshman last season, he played in 12 games and started the ReliaQuest Bowl as well. Strain would finish the season with 14.0 tackles, 3.0 pass deflections, 2.0 interceptions, and 0.5 tackles for loss. Look for Strain to push Scott at cornerback. Both players should see starts in 2023.
- 3rd String: Miles Scott
Miles Scott came into the Illinois program and redshirted in 2021. He would then play in every game for the program last season. But, this offseason, Scott would switch positions. He went from wide receiver to defensive back. I am not sure how quickly he will get acclimated to the new role, but I have Scott as the third-string cornerback for Illinois. He could easily move up the depth chart as well.
- 4th String: Price Ford
Illinois snagged junior college transfer Prince Ford from the 2023 class. He was a three-star recruit and the No. 138 JUCO player in the country. This was a good depth addition to the roster. I don’t expect much out of Ford this season, but Ford gives the coaches more options.
Nickel
- Starter: Kaleb Patterson
I think Illinois is going to play a lot of nickel defense in 2023. The coaching staff loaded up on defensive back talent, and one of the great options we pulled in this offseason is Kaleb Patterson. He is entering the Illinois program from the junior college ranks. Patterson was the No. 38 JUCO player coming out of the class of 2023.
Patterson is a great athlete and someone who can keep up with anyone on the football field. His height at 6-foot-2 is going to enable him to defend bigger players, like tight ends, as well. Patterson spent one season at the JUCO level and finished with 12.0 tackles, 4.0 pass breakups, and 2.0 forced fumbles. The fact Illinois is getting a player with post-high school experience is exciting. I think Patterson fits well into the nickel defensive back role. I have him starting at this position heading into the season.
- 2nd String: Elijah Mc-Cantos
Patterson won’t have this position easily, though. I think he could be challenged by someone like Elijah Mc-Cantos. He is a superstar from the class of 2022. Mc-Cantos was a three-star recruit and ranked inside the top 700 in his recruiting class.
This past season, Mc-Cantos ended up taking a redshirt with the Illini. He did get to play in four games, though. This little experience is invaluable. Look for Mc-Cantos to push Patterson for the starting job and to even see a start or two in 2023. I think highly of this kid’s talent.