It has been a tough season for FAU transfer Jayshon Platt, and not because he isn't performing well. Actually it is because he hasn't performed at all since being sidelined with an undisclosed injury towards the end of fall camp. Unfortunately for Platt, he still won't see the field this week against Maryland.
There was hope that Platt would return after the bye week for the Oregon game, but again, he was ruled out the day of the game. Now, Illinois isn't even waiting to rule him out, as he is already listed as such for the Maryland game.
#Illini wide receiver Jayshon Platt downgraded to OUT at Maryland.
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) October 30, 2026
QB Katin Houser remains doubtful. pic.twitter.com/Xvk3VLaOub
It sounds harsh, but at this point, Illinois isn't missing Platt; that's more because they haven't even gotten to play with him on the field to know fully what they are missing. With only five games left, including the Mayland game, at this point, there is a question of whether or not Platt will even see the field this season.
Can Jayshone Platt return to Illinois after new NCAA five-for-five rule?
If Platt doesn't play a single snap for Illinois this season, he still won't be able to return for another season. Platt has already played four full seasons of college football at FAU, and this season is his fifth and final under the new five-for-five rule.
With the new NCAA rule, there are no longer redshirting or hardship waivers that players can use to gain an extra year of eligibility. So for Platt, even though he has yet to play in a game for Illinois this season, he can't gain another year of eligibility due to the injury, meaning his college career will be over.
While this five-for-five rule is great in giving athletes another year to play at the college level, this is an instance where it is hard to accept it. Platt unfortunately has been injured for his entire fifth season and may not even see the field for what will ultimately be his last season, depending on how his injury plays out in the final four games.
Platt is already ruled out for the Maryland game, which means he has just four more games to hopefully be healthy enough for head coach Bret Bielema and the Illinois athletic training staff to feel comfortable putting him out on the field.
While it would be tough, having barely played this season, Platt could choose to take his talents to the NFL. If that is the route he chooses, I am sure the Illinois community would be behind him, even though he hasn't gotten the chance to wear the Illinois uniform in a game.
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