After back-to-back winning seasons with bowl wins over SEC opponents in each, Illinois has to be riding a real high going into the 2026 season. Sure, there has been some roster turnover, like quarterback Luke Altmeyer heading to the NFL, four open offensive lineman slots, and leading receiver Hank Beatty gone. That doesn't mean the Illini didn't bring in some talent to remain on the cusp of College Football Playoff contention.
For the quarterback position, head coach Bret Bielema went out and got ECU quarterback Katin Houser from the portal. The No. 6 2025 recruiting class in the Big Ten will bring a new group of offensive linemen, and for the wide receiver position, FAU transfer Jayshon Platt could play a big role.
Platt will most likely be a Swiss army knife for Bielema and the offense, working not just as a receiver, but as a kickoff/punt returner. His speed is elite, which helps with his return game, but putting him in the slot position will make him an instant downfield threat for Houser. Platt just might be the spark plug this Illinois offense needs this season.
"Jayshon Platt probably... if you were somebody saw us and watched the new players," Bielema said. "Jayshon had a super strong performance in the Spring, so super excited."
#Illini has a really good WR room, and senior FAU transfer Jayshon Platt had a great Spring
— Carson Gourdie (@GourdieReport) July 9, 2026
Bret Bielema said, "Jayshon Platt probably... if you were somebody saw us and watched the new players... Jayshon had a super strong performance in the Spring, so super excited."
Platt… pic.twitter.com/4S8hbfvkOU
Jayshon Platt is already receiving preseason watch list honors at Illinois
Platt already seems like a star in the making at Illinois, and his name has also been seen on one particular watch list that fans will love. Platt has been named to the preseason watch list for the Jett Award, given to the best returners in the game, and he has a chance to dethrone the Iowa Hawkeyes, who have brought home the award for the last two years.
Former Iowa return specialist Kaden Wetjen has been the recipient of the Jett Award for the last two years, and now Platt could step in and take over with the talented returner now in the NFL. Iowa has always been known to house a great special teams unit, one of the best in the Big Ten, and now Illinois could rival the Hawkeyes with the addition of Platt.
While Platt will be a great return man for Illinois, it is his role on the offense that fans should get excited about. After four years at FAU, Platt is making the jump to a Power Conference school. It took some time for Platt to get his bearings with the Owls, but his final season in Boca Raton was his best, catching 46 passes for 720 yards, eight of those for more than 30 yards. He added five touchdowns to his stat line and even appeared in the run game with three carries for 36 yards and a touchdown.
As mentioned earlier, Platt's speed is what has Illinois fans and Bielema buzzing about his debut in Champaign. With a strong showing in spring ball, Platt has made himself a top target for Houser, who is working to build relationships in this Illinois offense.
Fall camps will begin soon, and it will be the perfect time for Platt and Houser to really solidify that connection on the field and be ready for the season to begin in September.
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