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Projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – offense

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. The Illinois Fighting Illini won the game, 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. The Illinois Fighting Illini won the game, 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 27: Julian Pearl #54 and Tommy DeVito #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half at Memorial Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 27: Julian Pearl #54 and Tommy DeVito #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half at Memorial Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Left Tackle

  • Starter: Julian Pearl

Since Bret Bielema took over the Illinois football program, he has leaned on Julian Pearl to be a sensational offensive lineman. Over the past two seasons, Pearl has started 23 games and has been a rock for the Illini. Moving forward, I see Pearl continuing to start for Illinois at left tackle.

Pearl wasn’t a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school. He was only a three-star offensive tackle who was ranked as the No. 1153 player in the class of 2018. But he got on the field and took advantage of the opportunities. Having someone with Pearl’s experience return on the offensive line is invaluable. He knows the offense and knows the play calling. I fully expect Pearl to be one of the best offensive tackles in the Big Ten. Don’t be shocked if he climbs on NFL Draft boards as well.

  • 2nd String: Magnus Moller

Illinois’ starting offensive line is very talented, but there is a lot of inexperience at the second and third levels. In the second string, I have Magnus Moller backing up Pearl. He was a true freshman last season, so he took a redshirt. But I think Moller, at 6-foot-9, 310 pounds, is ready to step into a more prominent role.

  • 3rd String: Hunter Whitenack

I am a bit surprised that Hunter Whitenack didn’t take a redshirt in 2022. He played in 12 games on special teams for Illinois. I have the sophomore as the third-string left tackle for Illinois. His in-game experience is going to help him on the field. I could see Whitenack eventually getting snaps in 2023.

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