The Illinois football program has an interesting year ahead of them, especially with the amount of roster turnover in the offseason.
The Illini, who are coming off of back-to-back bowl wins against SEC teams, will be breaking in a rebuilt roster that includes a new quarterback, two receivers, a tight end, and a completely revamped offensive line.
This will be a season where everyone needs to be on the same page, as the Illini begin their post-Luke Altmyer era. Thankfully, there will be six capable veterans who will lead the charge as team captains for the 2026 season.
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 19, 2026
17 — Collin Dixon
21 — Aidan Laughery
59 — Jake Renfro
1 — Xavier Scott
4 — Katin Houser
7 — Matthew Bailey pic.twitter.com/hqovN91I9e
Recently, head coach Bret Bielema left the selection of the captains to a team vote, with Collin Dixon, Aidan Laughery, Jake Renfro, Xavier Scott, Katin Houser, and Matthew Bailey earning the 'C' for their jerseys.
This will be the first time being named captain for all six of these Illini, with Renfro being the eldest in the group. Captains will be well-represented on both sides of the ball, with four playing on offense and two on defense.
Illinois football has the perfect mix of veterans to lead a rebuilt roster into the upcoming season
Illinois couldn't be in better hands right now, as one underclassman and five fifth-year players will be leading the program. Bielema should be proud of who his team put in place, and he talked about it during a recent media scrum.
Hear from @IlliniFootball coach @BretBielema on the #Illini captains, the addition of tight end Peyton Smith, potential additions from NFL camps and a deep dive on Wednesday’s scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/2KA7GJkKye
— Scott Richey (@srrichey) August 20, 2026
The Illinois roster did an excellent job selecting their captains, as all six individuals have established themselves as some of the best upperclassmen in the country, combining for 206 total games played throughout their careers.
In 2026, Bielema and Co. will look to these six men to be the voices of the program. They will look to these veterans to help lead their young program to the same success they've seen in years past.
Champaign is going to be rocking in 2026, and the captains are going to make sure that their team is ready for a fight.
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