Illinois Football: Top 3 surprise performances in the Illini win over Toledo

3. Pat Bryant

• Stats: 6 receptions, 64 yards, 2 TDs

Illinois has some big-time playmakers at wide receiver. These pass catchers will help Luke Altmyer throughout the 2023 campaign.

One of the playmakers who could have a huge season is Pat Bryant. The 6-foot-3 monster is getting his chance to shine, and he has a good quarterback throwing him the football. In game one, Bryant stole the spotlight with a big game.

Bryant ended the game against Toledo with six receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns. He already has as many touchdowns as he did the entire 2021 and 2022 seasons combined. His overall numbers were some of the best of his career as well.

The six receptions Bryant had against the Rockets were the third-most of his career, only topped by games against Minnesota and Chattanooga in 2022 when he had seven receptions. Bryant’s 64 yards were the second-highest total of his career, only beaten by that Chattanooga game where he would go for 115 yards.

This was one of the best games, if not the best game, of Bryant’s career. The chemistry with Altmyer is showing through, and that work is paying dividends. Don’t be surprised if Bryant is our leading receiver this season with some big catches from one of the biggest wide receivers on the roster.