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Illinois football injury report vs USC Trojans provide hope for struggling defense

Coming off an ugly loss, the Illinois football team should be pretty healthy in the game against USC.
ByRees Woodcock|
Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Dylan Stewart (6) runs the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Miles Scott (10) in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Dylan Stewart (6) runs the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Miles Scott (10) in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

It was a glaring result last week, as the Illinois football team was dragged by Indiana.

This was one of the worst feelings I have had as a sports fan. The Illini looked awful from start to finish, and a big reason why we lost in horrific fashion was that nearly our entire secondary was out for the game.

Thankfully, that is about to change against USC. Illinois gets a tremendous amount of talent back, including Miles Scott, who was missing due to a targeting penalty.

Here is the Illinois football injury report vs the USC Trojans

  • WR Justin Bowick (Starter) – Good to go
  • DB Jaheim Clark (Main Rotational) – Good to go
  • S Matthew Bailey (Main Rotational) – Good to go
  • S Mac Resetich (Main Rotational) – Good to go
  • RB Aidan Laughery (Starter) – Good to go
  • CB Xavier Scott (Starter) – Out
  • OLB Daniel Brown (Starter) – Out
  • TE Grant Smith (3rd String+) – Out for season
  • OG JJ Hirdes (3rd String+) – Out for season
  • RB John Froester (3rd String+) – Out for season
  • DB Tywan Cox (3rd String+) – Out for season

Illinois football should be able to get life out of the defensive backs and running backs against USC

While the game against the Hoosiers was one to forget, the Illinois secondary and running back room really struggled.

Illinois’ defensive backs were getting burned all game long. This was due to third-string players being in there, so hopefully the health upgrade from some key players will aid in getting the defense back on track.

Let’s not forget how awful the Illini running backs were, too. Aidan Laughery should be able to help kickstart that backfield and get production out of all three running backs now that he is back in the fold.

We should see a different Illinois team against USC than what we saw against Indiana. The Illini have talent, and now let’s go out there and show the world we are a top 25 program.

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