Illinois football is just over two months from kicking off, but the excitement for the 2024 season should have already started.
The Illini have a roster that is ready to compete and get back to a bowl game. Making a bowl game should be the floor for every season from now on.
With the new additions to the roster and some of the talented returning players, Bret Bielema has the Illinois football team looking good. I even believe there are some key players who are going to make a big jump in production in 2024.
Illinois is going to need big improvements across the board, but if certain players make a leap in 2024, then this program could see six, seven, or even eight wins this season.
Here are five key Illinois football players to see a massive improvement in 2024
Malik Elzy – Wide Receiver
Illinois football fans should be excited about the potential of the offense in 2024. We have some serious weapons, and the leader of the wide receivers could easily be Malik Elzy.
Elzy came in as the highest-rated recruit from the class of 2023. He was a four-star wide receiver who was ranked inside the top 250 nationally.
Illinois had a lot of talent at wide receiver during his freshman season. Elzy got some playing time, and when he did see the field, he made the most of his opportunities.
Elzy finished his freshman season with five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Illinois fans saw the glimpses of greatness coming from this kid, and I think 2024 could easily be his breakout year.
The main reason I can see the 6-foot-2 wide receiver having a big season is due to the departures from the 2023 squad.
A lot of catching production left after the 2023 season. Illinois’ top two wide receivers, Isaiah Williams and Casey Washington, are both in the NFL now. Our top two tight ends, Tip Reiman and Griffin Moore, are both gone as well. Reiman is in the NFL and Moore entered the transfer portal.
Luke Altmyer has a season and now another offseason under his belt. He is going to develop even more chemistry with a player like Elzy. That is another reason why I think 2024 could be big for Elzy.
Elzy has all of the talent in the world, and I fully expect him to display that talent during the 2024 season. Look for Elzy to not only have a breakout year, but I could see him leading Illinois in every receiver statistical category.