Illinois football eyeing JUCO route to build out the trenches

The Illinois football program is close to having one of the best seasons in program history in 2024.

With a win on Saturday, the Illini would get to the nine-win mark. This would be the most victories since the 2007 campaign.

Even though Illinois is having a great year, there are definitely still weaknesses on this team. I think one of the biggest weaknesses is the offensive line.

Illinois needs to add pieces to the offensive line for 2025 to help protect Luke Altmyer so we can move the ball down the field. A great option for the Illinois offensive line next season is Jakheem Shumpert.

Shumpert is a 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive tackle from Northwest Mississippi Community College in Mississippi. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 21 JUCO player in the class of 2025. He is also the No. 2 JUCO offensive tackle in the country and the No. 10 JUCO player coming out of Mississippi.

Numerous programs are after Shumpert and what he brings to the field. Almost two weeks ago, Shumpert took to social media to announce that Illinois has joined the mix of teams that have offered him a scholarship.

Getting some JUCO offensive linemen would be ideal for the Illinois football team

The offensive line has been a struggle at times in 2024, and after this season, we are losing a couple of big pieces.

JC Davis has been one of the best blockers for the Illini, and he is going to be departing. Zy Crisler will also depart the program.

I do like the young pieces Illinois has coming up the pipeline. Players like Zafir Stewart are going to be important in the future. But so is landing newcomers who already have playing experience.

Someone like Shumpert can come into the Illinois football program and start from day one. He will, at worst, compete for a starting job and be a primary backup. That gives Illinois more quality depth in 2025 and beyond.

Hopefully, the Illini can make up some ground and get some type of official visit. Shumpert can really help Illinois on the offensive line.