Saturday was productive for the Illinois football program, as we added some much-needed depth to the offensive line.
The commitment from Tyler McMillan will help solidify the second-string offensive line and secure quarterback Luke Altmyer’s safety next season. I am not sure if I have ever been this comfortable with an Illini offensive line in my lifetime.
I can’t say the same for the Illini defensive line, though. The starters are okay, but I am not sure what the second string will look like for that unit. We need more depth, and someone like Jaylon Stone would help.
Stone took to social media on Thursday to announce that Illinois had offered him a scholarship. On Friday, Jacob Polacheck of On3.com reported that Stone has set up three official visits. He is visiting Oklahoma this weekend. He will then make the trip to Illinois, followed by Kentucky, according to Polacheck.
NEW: SEMO DL Transfer Jaylon Stone will be taking an official visit to Kentucky from April 25-27, he tells KSR+.
— Jacob Polacheck (@PolacheckKSR) April 18, 2025
Stone has also set visits to Oklahoma and Illinois.
"I like the way they're pros. They have a plan for me and a plan to develop me."
STORY: https://t.co/FDNrbV9xOt pic.twitter.com/CkkCfvtNVk
This would be a big get for the Illini. Coming out of Clarke Central High School in Georgia, Stone was an overlooked recruit. He wasn’t rated or ranked in the class of 2023, so he committed to play for Southeast Missouri State. He spent two seasons with the Redhawks but took a redshirt in year one. This past season, he amassed 32 tackles and two sacks.
Transfer portal talent Jaylon Stone would push for starting snaps on the Illinois defensive line
The Illinois defensive line has been a rotation over the past few years. With talent heading to the NFL and the transfer portal, there isn’t a lot of consistency with the defensive line.
Illinois was able to add some nice pieces after the season concluded. I think James Thompson Jr. is a lock to start on one of the ends. I see a healthy Gentle Hunt anchoring the nose tackle position. Curt Neal and Tomiwa Durojaiye could be fighting for the other starting job.
Bielema has some potential in the depth department, too. We just haven’t seen a lot of snaps from the defense live. Stone could come in and easily be the primary backup on the defensive line. I could see him getting in the mix for a starting job, too. The worst-case scenario would be that Illinois has a wealth of talent and options. That is a good position to be in for 2025.