5. I’m happy for Ashton Hollins
The last note from the win over Western Michigan is one that is a feel-good story. Illinois had quite a few touchdowns on Saturday, but none of them were better than seeing Ashton Hollins get into the end zone.
Hollins is in his junior year at Illinois. As a freshman in 2022, he took a redshirt and saved some eligibility. In 2023, he showed some great sparks, snagging nine receptions for 119 yards. His 6-foot-5 size was always intriguing, and I thought he was the future at the wide receiver position for the Illini.
This past season, Hollins hurt his shoulder during the fall camp but tried to rehab it and play through the injury. He made it through the first four games before having to have surgery, and he missed the rest of the 2024 campaign.
Coming off the injury, and Illinois adding more talent at the wide receiver position, Hollins had to battle for playing time. His career hadn’t gotten off the ground yet, and to see him go out there against Western Michigan and catch the first touchdown of his career was pretty awesome to see.
Hollins has been through a lot with the injury and playing time. He has stuck with the Illini, as he is in his fourth season with the program. This spark from Hollins could end up being the momentum he needs to make a big impact on the Illini during the 2025 season.