Linebackers
Starter (OLB): Gabe Jacas
The star of the show and the player who all offensive lines will be focusing on is Gabe Jacas. He is an NFL player who has one more season in the college ranks.
Jacas is going to start at outside linebacker in 2025. He is Illinois’ biggest weapon, as he had 74 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles last season. Look for other Illinois players to benefit greatly, as opponents will throw double-teams at Jacas this season.
- 2nd String: Leon Lowery Jr.
Illinois snagged a few under-the-radar transfer portal players this offseason. I think Leon Lowery Jr. could help the Illini greatly. He provides much-needed depth in the middle of the defense, and he gives Bret Bielema an option as a nice rotational piece.
Starter (MLB): Dylan Rosiek
It is nice to have Dylan Rosiek back in the mix. He is going to be back on the field and starting at the middle linebacker role. After an injury-plagued junior year, Rosiek is ready to build on his 60 tackles, 2.0 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, and 1.0 pass deflections in 2025.
The veteran experience in the middle of the Illinois defense is lying low right now. No one is really talking about how old this Illinois defense is this season. Look for Rosiek to be a vocal leader for the Illini.
- 2nd String: Kenenna Odeluga
Illinois’ depth is so solid at linebacker. I see Kenenna Odeluga playing a ton of snaps in 2025, as he is a nightmare matchup. His power is impressive, and it shows in his three sacks from last season. I have Odeluga as a second-string linebacker.
Starter (MLB) (3-4): James Kreutz
I see James Kreutz starting in some situations for the Illini. While we will likely go with a 3-3-5 defense most of the time, when we do switch to the 3-4, Kreutz should get his shine.
Kreutz played 389 snaps in the box last season, and he finished the year with 54 tackles and one pass deflection. Now that he enters year four, Kreutz should be a big-time contributor for the Illinois defense.
- 2nd String: Malachi Hood
Malachi Hood really came onto the scene last season. He tallied 14 tackles, two forced fumbles, two sacks, and one pass deflection. He was all over the field, and that is what I expect again in 2025. Hood should be able to put up some big numbers with a lot of focus on other Illinois defenders.
Starter (OLB): Alec Bryant
I see Alec Bryant taking more control of the other outside linebacker spot for the Illini. He played 349 snaps last season on defense, and that experience is what Illinois is going to need.
It would not shock me to see Bryant have a massive 2025 campaign. He should be able to build on his 22 tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections from last season. With double teams on Jacas, look for Bryant’s numbers to skyrocket.
- 2nd String: Jojo Hayden
I have always been a fan of Jojo Hayden. This kid bleeds Orange and Blue, and he should get plenty of snaps from the second string in 2025. I fully expect a nice bump in production from his eight tackles last season.
- Depth: Luke Zardzin, Ismael Kante, Easton Baker, Joe Barna, Daniel Brown, Mason Muragin, Clayton Leonard, Carter Smith, Harrysson Ngassa
Illinois has nice depth pieces beyond the first couple of strings. I love what Joe Barna brought to the table last season. I am curious what Easton Baker can do as well.
- Redshirt: Grant Beerman, Jack Paris, Erik Gayle
There is no reason to burn these redshirts. Grant Beerman might look great now, but we could use that year of eligibility down the road. He is going to be a great player, but let’s unleash him next season.