Tight End
Starter – Tanner Arkin
This was a tough one. I would like for Cole Rusk, a more catching threat, to start at this position, but I think Tanner Arkin enters 2025 as Illinois’ starting tight end.
Arkin did have a good 2024 campaign. He was our leading tight end pass catcher with 16 receptions for 111 yards and three touchdowns. He was a nice red zone target for Luke Altmyer, and it wouldn’t shock me to see that again this season. I think he probably has another good year, but there should be more of a timeshare with Rusk.
- 2nd String – Cole Rusk
In the second string, I have Rusk. He missed all of last season with an injury, but Rusk has good hands and is going to give Illinois more options in the middle of defense. I think Rusk could push for starts in 2025, but even as a primary backup, he should still get plenty of action in a tight end-heavy Illinois offense.
- 3rd String – Davin Stoffel
I think a sneaky good addition this offseason was landing Davin Stoffel from South Dakota State. With the Jackrabbits, Stoffel had 14 receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He is someone who played 515 snaps last season, and he knows how to go up and get the ball. With his 6-foot-6 frame, Illinois will look for him in the red zone without a doubt.
- Depth – Jordan Anderson, Christian Abney, Tanner Hollinger, Jake Furtney, Grant Smith (Out for season), Logan Farrell, Trey Peters
I don’t expect much out of the depth at tight end in 2025. Illinois will probably use a few of these players more in a blocking role, but Bielema has at least put a lot of talent at the tight end position on the depth chart.