Wide Receiver
Starter – Hudson Clement
I am pretty excited about what Illinois has at wide receiver for the next couple of seasons. Landing Hudson Clement in the transfer portal this past offseason is going to pay so many dividends in the next two years.
Clement should be a starter without a doubt. Illinois needs an elite wide receiver, and Clement brings that to the table. This past season with West Virginia, Clement had 51 receptions for 741 yards and five touchdowns. He continues to improve each season as a player, and this Illinois offense could make him a well-known commodity in the Big Ten.
- 2nd String – Malik Elzy
Everyone is waiting for Malik Elzy to take off. He was a four-star coming out of high school, but he hasn’t done much in the college ranks. Elzy finished last season with four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. This kid could easily take the reins of a starting job, but for now, I have him as a second stringer.
- 3rd String – Brayden Trimble
There are a few freshmen who could make an impact on the Illini in 2025, and I think Brayden Trimble is one of those talented freshmen. He was a borderline four-star out of high school, and his electric play is enticing. Keep an eye out for him to rise up the depth chart.
Starter – Collin Dixon
Last season was great for a player like Collin Dixon. He joined the Illinois football program and instantly became a big part of the offense.
Dixon was fourth on the team with 18 receptions for 264 yards. He did a lot of work in the slot, taking 243 out of 329 snaps in this role last season. I think with that experience in 2024, Dixon comes back this season and starts for the Illini.
- 2nd String – Justin Bowick
I am intrigued by Justin Bowick. Illinois landed the kid from the transfer portal this offseason, and he might end up being a big piece in this offense. Bowick had 20 receptions for 383 yards and three touchdowns last season with Ball State. With his 6-foot-4 frame, Illinois is going to need a big target on the outside, and he might be the right option.
- 3rd String – Alex Capka-Jones
It would be shocking to see Alex Capka-Jones get a ton of playing time. Illinois actually has a lot of wide receiver depth this season, but for now, I have him as a third stringer.
Starter – Hank Beatty
Hank Beatty has been a part of the Illinois football team for a while now, and he finally broke out last season. He is a Paul Hornung Award watch list player for his versatility, and I think he ends up being a starter for the Illini.
Beatty was third on the Illini in receiving, tallying 20 receptions for 294 yards and one touchdown. He is also Illinois’ punt returner, so that might end up taking away from his wide receiver duties more often. If that ends up being the case, he would likely not be a starter. But, considering Beatty played over 200 snaps last season, I think he sees a starting job in 2025.
- 2nd String – Ashton Hollins
Illinois lost Ashton Hollins early in 2024. This injury prevented Hollins from having a big season with the Illini, but I believe he will be back and ready to go in 2025. You can see the potential in Hollins. When he plays, he makes an impact. I see that impact being great this season as a second-string wide receiver.
- 3rd String – Tysean Griffin
This is a chance for Tysean Griffin to step up and become an impactful wide receiver for the Illini. He took a redshirt last season, and there isn’t a ton of competition for this spot. Griffin has a ton of potential and has an opportunity to do something special.
- Depth – Mario Sanders II, Michael Bartolotta, Tyler McClure, Karson Kaiser
Illinois’ depth beyond the first three string isn’t great. I doubt that these four players get many, if any, snaps in 2025.