4. Edge/Outside Linebacker
I have had a love-hate relationship with the edge/outside linebacker position. Illinois has some good talent at this role, but they have disappeared at times as well. I think it is time for an upgrade.
- Who is leaving?
There is only one real departure as of right now. Seth Coleman, after spending over a half-decade with the program, is leaving for what could be a decent NFL career. He finished 2024 fourth on the team with 54 tackles, second on the team with 3.5 sacks, and fourth on the team with three pass deflections.
So far, Coleman is the only departure from this position, but he was a starter on a decent Illinois defense. His loss will make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.
- Who is back?
Everyone else is back for the Orange and Blue. Gabe Jacas is returning for one more season, and I eye him for an All-American spot in 2025. Jacas was second on the team with 66 tackles, and he led Illinois by over double second place with eight sacks on the year. He is a top three-round NFL Draft pick in the making.
Do you know who I am excited about? Jojo Hayden. He started to get more playing time in the Northwestern game, and that kid was all over the field. Hayden is just a redshirt freshman, so there is plenty of time for him to develop. Look for Hayden to have a say in the starting job next season.
- What does Illinois need?
Illinois has some nice young pieces at the edge position. I think players like Joe Barna and Demetrius John have a ton of potential, and they were true freshmen in 2024. And then you add in Hayden, who is just a redshirt freshman, and the future is so bright.
With that being said, Illinois needs depth. I don’t trust the true freshmen yet, so I would like the transfer portal to bear at least one starting-caliber edge rusher. That player can duke it out for a starting job with Hayden. They will push each other.
After Illinois lands a starting-caliber edge rusher, I think we need a solid back-up too. Jacas, Hayden, and a transfer portal player can rotate. We then need another depth piece at the position.