Illinois looked fairly strong in Week 1 vs. UAB, even though the game was a little closer than expected. There are always areas for improvement, though, and the Illini have a few players who felt nonexistent vs. the Blazers and need to step it up.
The offense looked strong, but the defense left everyone wanting more, especially after giving up over 400 total yards to UAB. With the reigning ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils on the docket, Illinois needs all their guys firing on all cylinders this week.
So, looking at Week 2, here are three players that need to step up their game against the Blue Devils.
3. WR Brayden Trimble
There was so much hype about Bryaden Trimble coming out of fall camp, and then the injury to Jayshon Platt thrust him into the starting role. Against UAB, though, Trimble barely showed up on the stat sheet and seemed to disappear on the field. Granted, Collin Dixon was by far the leading receiver for the Illini, proving his connection with QB Katin Houser is very strong.
The buzz around Trimble made it feel like he would potentially play a larger role. That could change in Week 2, as the Illini will be facing a tougher defense all around, which could zero in on Dixon and force Houser to use his other reads. If that is the case, Trimble needs to be reliable and not the receiver who dropped the ball on a crucial play before halftime in Week 1.
2. TE Christain Abney
Christian is not the only player at his position who needs to step up in Week 2. The tight end room as a whole needs to find a way to break into the receiving game. Abney and his fellow tight ends did a fantastic job at blocking, helping to keep Houser clean all night vs. UAB, but getting into the receiving game is crucial.
Like Trimble, the tight ends, especially Abney, need to be reliable targets for Houser when guys like Dixon and WR2 Hudson Clement are taken away by opposing defenses.
1. DB Xavier Scott
Xavier Scott chose to stick around Illinois for one more season before heading to the NFL, and it was a big deal. In Week 1, though, Scott, who was coming off an injury in the 2025 season, struggled in the first half and even went to the locker room early with what looked like cramps.
Scott did return in the second half, but was very quiet on an Illinois defense that struggled to stop the Blazers outside of the red zone. Scott only recorded two solo tackles against UAB, not playing as big a role as he is expected to ont he defense. If Illinois' defense wants to send a statement this week, Scott will have to have a bigger presence on the field.
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