Illinois football will need to hammer the transfer portal hard if they want to continue the success.
The Illini returned 16 starters from the 2024 season, a number that will surely go down given the amount of senior talent on this team. Replacements at almost every position will be necessary.
Although some of that talent can be replaced in-house with upcoming recruits and younger players already on the roster, the transfer portal will have to be utilized in order to keep the 2026 team competitive.
Key areas will need to be addressed in the transfer portal if Illinois football wants to compete next season
One of the biggest areas in need of help is the offensive line. Wisely, the Illini have already begun to make big splashes by acquiring transfers from the JUCO level. However, that will not be enough.
Given the high amount of coaching changes across the college football landscape, the transfer portal is sure to be stocked with reliable talent to protect the quarterback. This is a group that the team deeply needs to address.
At times this season, the line did not provide much help for Luke Altmyer. His mobile play and quick thinking were able to get him out of jams, but with the potential of a rookie quarterback starting next year, the line will have to be much better than this season.
Another group that will need outside help is the cornerback and safety positions. Again, JUCO transfers already committed to the Illini will provide help, but more work needs to be done.
One of the biggest deficiencies on this year's defense was the lackluster play of those groups. Greater talent who has produced at the Division I level will need to be acquired to remedy the poor third down percentage and lack of turnovers.
Bret Bielema has shown he knows how to work the transfer portal to his advantage, and this offseason, he will have to work his magic a little bit more to help sustain the winning culture he has built.