The Illinois football offense lost some important pieces from the eight-win team of 2022.
Losing a running back like Chase Brown is hard to replace. He helped pace the Illini offense and was one of the best running backs of recent memory. I will also miss quarterback Tommy DeVito and some of the talented offensive linemen who departed the program.
But with departures comes new faces. Bret Bielema reloaded the positions of need, and Illinois looks to be well-positioned to have another solid year on the field. Predicting who will be starting at what position is the big question.
Here is the projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – offense
Quarterback
- Starter: Luke Altmyer
While the Illinois football coaching staff hasn’t officially announced who the starting quarterback is going to be entering the 2023 campaign, I am pretty confident in saying that Luke Altmyer is going to get the job. I don’t think he would have transferred into the Illinois program if there wasn’t some type of assurance that he was going to start.
Altmyer was a highly-decorated quarterback coming out of high school. He was a four-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 196 player in the class of 2021. In two seasons at Ole Miss, Altmyer couldn’t get off the ground, so he decided to find a new home in Champaign. Bret Bielema has done interviews this offseason and has talked about the accuracy of Altmyer. I fully expect him to start as long as he is healthy. Hopefully, we have at least two solid years of Altmyer flinging the rock around.
- 2nd String: John Paddock
This offseason didn’t just bring a great transfer in Altmyer. Illinois was also able to secure the transfer commitment of quarterback John Paddock. He suited up for Ball State for the past four seasons, and now he is trying to make his name at the power-five level. Paddock threw for 2,719 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 2022 with the Cardinals. He has a ton of talent, and with it being his final year in college, I think Paddock will get the second-string quarterback job.
- 3rd String: Donovan Leary
In the third string, I have Donovan Leary. He came into the program in 2022 and took a redshirt. This kid played well in high school, and he has the potential to be a really good quarterback. I think Leary learning behind a few talented passers will be good for his game.
- 4th String: Cal Swanson
Cal Swanson won’t see action in 2023. He was a great get for Illinois, as Swanson was a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 855 player in the class of 2023. He committed to Illinois in June 2022 and stuck with his commitment throughout. Swanson will take a redshirt this season, but look for him to push for the starting job in the future.
Running Back
- Starter: Reggie Love III
It has been a while, but it is finally Reggie Love III’s time. He joined the Illinois football program back in 2020 as a highly-touted recruit, but he hasn’t been able to secure the starting job due to some pretty talented running backs ahead of him, like Chase Brown.
I have Love coming into the 2023 campaign as the starter for the Illini. He played in every game last season and started in the ReliaQuest Bowl with Brown declaring for the NFL Draft. What I saw out of Love in that bowl game was impressive. He has the ability to make defenders miss and to get to the edge. I think Illinois is going to be in good hands with Love leading the way in the backfield.
- 2nd String: Josh McCray
Josh McCray was an instant success when he joined the Illinois program in 2021. He was a monster to stop, but there has been one big issue for the talented running back and that is injuries. McCray has only played in 15 games in two seasons due to lingering injury issues. If he can stay on the field, McCray will get plenty of snaps. I have him entering 2023 as the second-string running back.
- 3rd String: Kaden Feagin
Illinois has a wild card in the backfield this season in the form of Kaden Feagin. The freshman four-star recruit enters the program with a lot of hype. At 6-foot-3, 221 pounds, he is going to be able to bowl some defenders over as well. If the running game is stagnant in the first week or two, don’t be surprised if Feagin sees some shine. This kid has a ton of potential and has a chance to play a lot in year one. For right now, I have him in the third string.
- 4th String: Aidan Laughery/Jordan Anderson
The fourth string for Illinois is probably going to be a combination of Aidan Laughery and Jordan Anderson. Both running backs came in from the class of 2022, and they both took a redshirt last season. These two provide the Illini with some pretty impressive depth. I would only expect to see them during blowout games, though.
Tight End
- Starter: Tip Reiman
Illinois does have a decent amount of experience returning to the roster in 2023. I believe Tip Reiman will once again take the reins at the tight end position. I have him starting to open the season, as Reiman was able to start every game for the Illini in 2022.
Reiman had one of the better seasons from a tight end for Illinois in recent memory. He would finish the 2022 campaign with 19 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown. I would expect Illinois to open up the offense a little more in the passing game and use the tight end position a little more as well. I think Reiman is going to have a good year of 20+ catches and 250+ yards. He will be our starting tight end as long as he is healthy.
- 2nd String: Griffin Moore
While Illinois does have a talented and experienced player like Reiman returning, the depth at tight end took a hit this offseason. We lost Luke Ford and Michael Marchese, both of whom were good blockers. I think a player like Griffin Moore is going to be called upon to be a blocker on the Illinois offense. I have him in the second string for the Illini. But, honestly, the second through fourth string is probably interchangeable.
- 3rd String: Tanner Arkin
This offseason did bring in a talented transfer in Tanner Arkin. The former Colorado State tight end wanted to find a new home for his final two years of college. In 2022, Arkin would have 14 receptions for 116 yards for the Rams. I think he is going to be a nice backup to Reiman in the receiving department. I have Arkin as a third-string tight end right now.
- 4th String: Henry Boyer/Owen Anderson
Depth was addressed with the class of 2022, as Illinois brought in players like Henry Boyer and Owen Anderson. I have these two tight ends sharing fourth-string tight end duties. Both players took a redshirt last season, and I don’t expect much out of them in 2023 unless we are dealing with injuries.
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.
Left Guard
- Starter: Isaiah Adams
To go along with Julian Pearl and all of the experience he brings to the table is left guard, Isaiah Adams. He joined the Illinois program in 2022 after spending time at Garden City Community College. There were a ton of teams vying for Adams’ commitment, but Illinois was able to land him. Year one was a tremendous success as well.
In 2022, Adams would earn All-Big Ten third-team honors. He also started in every game for Illinois, 12 at left guard, and the other game was at left tackle. The versatile offensive lineman should be a starter once again this season. I have Adams starting at left guard for the Illini. He made the preseason All-Big Ten second team, but don’t be surprised if he finishes 2023 as a member of the first team. This kid is extremely talented.
- 2nd String: Jordyn Slaughter
Illinois does have some depth at left guard. I have Jordyn Slaughter as the second-string left guard for the Illini in 2023. He missed all of 2021 with an injury, but Slaughter came out in 2022 and gave Illinois some big snaps. He played in every game and even started one contest. Look for Slaughter to solidify the left guard position for Illinois this season.
- 3rd String: Zachary Barlev
Depth gets thinner and thinner as you go down the depth chart. I have Zachary Barlev taking the third-string left guard role. He is a talented player who played on special teams in 2022. I don’t expect him to do much for the Illinois offense in 2023 besides being a depth piece. He gives the Illini some quality depth.
- 4th String: TJ McMillen
I would doubt that Illinois uses TJ McMillen in 2023. I have him as the fourth-string left guard. McMillen is entering the Illini program as a three-star recruit who was the No. 1121 player in the class of 2023. He is going to be an important piece for the future, but I fully expect McMillen to redshirt this upcoming season.
Center
- Starter: Josh Kreutz
For me, one of the biggest question marks I have for the Illinois football offense is at the center position. After losing Alex Pihlstrom to the NFL, Illinois now needs someone who can step into the center role. I think the plan is for Josh Kreutz to be that guy.
Kreutz came into the Illinois program as a center. He was a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 1030 player in the class of 2021. Kreutz saw some action in 2021 before taking a redshirt. This past season, he played every game for the Illini on special teams. He is now going to be called upon to take over at center. The thing that worries me is the fact he has zero starts at center, and Illinois has a new quarterback taking snaps. There is going to be a learning curve. Thankfully, Kreutz is a very talented player with football blood running through his veins.
- 2nd String: Zachary Barlev
The backup center position is a question mark at this point too. Illinois will probably shift a player over from a different offensive line position if they need to replace Kreutz for any reason. I would assume that player is going to be someone like Zachary Barlev.
I have Barlev as the third-string left guard for Illinois entering 2023. He would help give the Illini some assurance that if Kreutz needs a breather, then the Illini will have a backup ready to go. I am sure there is a game plan if this happens, though. As of now, I have Barlev as the backup at center.
Right Guard
- Starter: Zy Crisler
I was impressed with the haul Illinois was able to bring in from the class of 2022. We snagged two great junior college offensive linemen from this class. The first one was Isaiah Adams, who I already mentioned. The next offensive lineman was Zy Crisler. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound, monster is ready to dominate the Big Ten.
Crisler should once again be starting at right guard. He joined the Illinois program in 2022 and started every game at this position. He also earned All-Big Ten honorable mention notoriety for his great season. I fully expect Crisler to have a big junior year. Don’t be shocked if Crisler sneaks up on some NFL Draft boards. The framework is there for this to be his last season in Champaign.
- 2nd String: Will Leys
The JUCO success Bret Bielema has had since taking over at Illinois will hopefully continue with Will Leys. He joined the program this season from Saddleback College in California. Leys was a three-star recruit who was the No. 108 JUCO player in the class of 2023. Since Leys has experience, I have him coming in and being the second-string right guard for Illinois.
- 3rd String: Joey Okla
The future is bright for the Illinois offensive line, as we have players like Joey Okla waiting in the wings. He joined the Illini from the class of 2022 and took a redshirt in year one. I think Okla is going to be a monster for the program, but he is probably going to have to wait another year. This season is likely about development and getting prepared for the future.
- 4th String: Clayton Leonard
What I said about Okla applies to Clayton Leonard as well. He also came in from the class of 2022 and took a redshirt. Leonard is a former three-star recruit who will help on the Illinois offensive line in a year or two. Hopefully, in blowout situations, Leonard and Okla can get some snaps in live game action.
Right Tackle
- Starter: Desmond Schuster
I mentioned there were a couple of big question marks I had for the Illinois football team in 2023. Center was one of the question marks. I think right tackle is another one. Entering the 2023 campaign, I have Desmond Schuster starting at right tackle for the Illini.
Schuster joined the Illinois program this summer after spending time with Hutchinson Community College in the junior college ranks. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 37 JUCO player in the class of 2023. I think there could be a legit battle for the starting right tackle job. It wouldn’t shock me to see multiple players get starts at this position, but I think Schuster will have the most starts at right tackle in 2023.
- 2nd String: Josh Gesky
The player who could be competing for starts at right tackle is Josh Gesky. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound, offensive tackle came into the Illinois program in 2021 and took a redshirt. He played in 12 games last season on special teams. In 2023, Gesky will provide a lot of depth for the Illini. He is going to get his chance to start and play snaps. Look for Gesky to play a big role in the Illinois offense.
- 3rd String: Brandon Henderson
I think the right tackle position has a wild card. Brandon Henderson is going to be a true freshman this season, but he might be crashing the party at this position. Henderson was a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 944 player in the class of 2023. He did enroll at Illinois early, though. This gives him some experience and knowledge even before his freshman season starts. Bret Bielema has also talked about how talented Henderson is on the field. I wouldn’t be shocked if he works his way up the depth chart or even sees a start in 2023.
- 4th String: Zachary Aamland
While he won’t be used in 2023, Zachary Aamland will be a valuable piece to the puzzle down the road. Aamland is coming in as a three-star recruit who was the No. 1340 player in the class of 2023. I fully expect him to redshirt this season. Look for Aamland to be big for the Illini in future seasons, though.
Wide Receiver
- Starter: Isaiah Williams
Hands down, this is the best Illinois wide receiver corps I have seen since the Arrelious Benn days. One of the starting wide receivers for the Illini is Isaiah Williams. He should be playing in the slot and will dominate opposing defenses.
Last season, Williams finished with 82 receptions for 715 yards and five touchdowns. He was electric for the Illinois offense. Whenever we needed a big play, Williams would come through. He earned All-Big Ten first team as a wide receiver and third team as a punt returner. Williams now has another big-time quarterback to throw him the ball, so I expect at least the same numbers as last season.
- 2nd String: Hank Beatty
Don’t sleep on Hank Beatty in 2023. He was a true freshman last season and played in 12 games. In the little he did play, Beatty showed flashes of potential. I think he fights for the second-string job this season, but it won’t be easy. There are some talented players behind him looking to make a name.
- 3rd String: Shawn Miller
I had a lot of expectations for Shawn Miller last season, but he went down with an injury in training camp and never played a snap. He now enters the 2023 campaign with a lot of potential. I have him as a third-string wide receiver right now, but Miller could easily work his way up the depth chart.
- 4th String: Collin Dixon
I am not sure we are going to see too much of Collin Dixon in 2023. He is a three-star recruit who was the No. 823 player in the class of 2023. Illinois snagging Dixon was huge for the future, but I think he takes a redshirt and then we unleash him on the Big Ten in 2024. This kid is going to be special.
Wide Receiver
- Starter: Malik Elzy
This might be a controversial pick, but I think there is a legit shot that Malik Elzy takes the starting job at wide receiver for the Illini. I would imagine some people probably have Casey Washington as a starting wide receiver, but when you have a player of Elzy’s caliber and talent, you can’t have him ride the pine.
Elzy was a four-star recruit who was the No. 227 player in the class of 2023. He has already impressed some of his teammates and coaches on the field. Camp is starting, and I think that will only continue to be the case. Look for Elzy to step up and be one of the best wide receivers on the Illinois roster in 2023.
- 2nd String: Casey Washington
I think Casey Washington is still going to get a ton of snaps even though I have Elzy starting. Washington started nine games over his career and finished last season with 31 receptions for 306 yards. He is a big-time asset to this Illinois offense, and look for Washington to be on the field a lot in 2023.
- 3rd String: Eian Pugh
Illinois has some nice young depth at wide receiver. Eian Pugh came into the program last season and took a redshirt. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 767 player in the class of 2022. I see Pugh seeing some snaps but being utilized more in 2024 and beyond.
- 4th String: Keion Battle
In 2021, Illinois was able to land Northern Illinois transfer Keion Battle. He didn’t play a game in 2021 but managed to get on the field against Chattanooga in 2022. Battle probably won’t see too many snaps unless it is a blowout game.
Wide Receiver
- Starter: Pat Bryant
The third and final starting wide receiver for the Illinois football program is likely to be Pat Bryant. He wasn’t a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school. Bryant was just a three-star recruit who was the No. 1030 player in the class of 2021. He was thrown to the wolves from day one, though.
Bryant started a game as a freshman, and he then started 11 games last season. He would finish the 2022 campaign with 34 receptions for 453 yards and two touchdowns. I fully expect Bryant to be starting once again in 2023. Illinois is loaded at wide receiver. Bryant is kind of flying under the radar. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him finish as an All-Big Ten player this season.
- 2nd String: Kenari Wilcher
I think there are a couple of freshmen who could make a huge impact on the Illinois wide receiver corps. I already mentioned Malik Elzy, but I think Kenari Wilcher could also be a big-time playmaker. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 717 player in the class of 2023. Wilcher enrolled early, and the coaches have given him high praise. I could see Wilcher getting a lot of snaps in 2023.
- 3rd String: Alex Capka-Jones
Illinois was able to snag junior college wide receiver Alex Capka-Jones from the class of 2023. He suited up for Moorpark College in 2022, and now he is taking his talents to Champaign. At 6-foot-4, Capka-Jones is kind of a wild card. He could end up being a nice red zone target for the Illini. For now, I have him as the third-string wide receiver.
- 4th String: Ashton Hollins
Ashton Hollins came into the Illinois program from the class of 2022. After playing in a couple of games, he would take a redshirt last season. I don’t expect Hollins to get too many snaps in tight games. Look for him to continue to develop and be a nice depth piece moving forward.
Punter
- Starter: Hugh Robertson
There is no doubt that Hugh Robertson is going to be the starting punter for Illinois. He started in all 13 games last season and was good for the program. 29.5% of Robertson’s punts ended up inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Look for another big year out of Robertson in 2023.
- 2nd String: Declan Duley
Illinois was active in the recruitment of a backup punter for the class of 2023. Declan Duley picked the Illini. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 2 punter in the 2023 class. He picked Illinois over some teams like Miami (FL) and Baylor. I expect Duley to redshirt this season to save eligibility.
Kicker
- Starter: Caleb Griffin
The projected starting kicker for Illinois is Caleb Griffin. He was an All-Big Ten honorable mention player in 2022, and he would make nine starts for the Illini. I expect Griffin to continue to be the starter because of his strong leg. He ended up making a 52-yard field goal in our bowl game against Mississippi State.
- 2nd String: Fabrizio Pinton
If Griffin struggles early on, Fabrizio Pinton is right there waiting in the wings. He started four games as a freshman in 2022, and he was a perfect 7-of-7. His accuracy was impressive, and it is nice to have some depth at kicker. Watch for Pinton to push Griffin for the starting job in 2023.
- 3rd String: David Olano
Much like the punter situation, Illinois was active in landing another kicker too. David Olano picked the Illini. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 3 kicker in the class of 2023. Olano is going to redshirt in 2023 without a doubt. He is our future kicker, though. This kid has a great leg.
Long Snapper
- Starter: Aidan Hall
Illinois seems to be pretty set at long snapper. In 2022, Aidan Hall started in all 13 games for the Illini at this position. I expect there won’t be a change this season. Having a solid long snapper is crucial in special teams efficiency.
- 2nd String: Lane Hansen
Behind Hall is another solid long snapper. Lane Hansen entered the Illinois program in 2021 but didn’t see action. In 2022, he was the main snapper on field goals and extra points. He and Hall will be extremely important to the Illinois football team moving forward.
- 3rd String: Alex McLaughlin/Patrick Mahoney III
Illinois has a couple of players in Alex McLaughlin and Patrick Mahoney III waiting behind the two starters at long snapper. They shouldn’t see the field too much, but it is good to have some depth at this position.