Illinois football hitting the upgrade button on the offensive line

Illinois football needed to go through some front-line changes this offseason.

If you watched the Illini in 2023, you would have noticed the offensive line struggling. Our best attribute was run blocking, but that was about average for the season. When it came to pass blocking, forget about it.

This offseason has been about changing the offensive line. Bret Bielema knew he needed to go out and get some big boys up front, and that is exactly what he did.

Illinois offensive line departures

• OT Julian Pearl - #212 PFF, 66.2 Grade, 39 career starts
• OG Jordyn Slaughter – NR PFF, 49.9 Grade, 4 career starts
• OG Zachary Barlev – NR PFF, 46.7 Grade, 1 career start
• OT Isaiah Adams - #222 PFF, 65.6 Grade, 25 career starts

The Illinois offensive line lost both of our starting tackles this offseason. Julian Pearl and Isaiah Adams are heading to the NFL, and that is a combined 64 starts gone from the Illini front five.

Illinois also had Jordyn Slaughter depart after an injury-filled career. He recorded four starts during his time in Champaign. Zachary Barlev was another Illini departure, as he hit the transfer portal with one start under his belt.

Illinois offensive line returnees

• C Josh Kreutz - #155 PFF, 62.9 Grade, 12 career starts
• OG Josh Gesky - #264 PFF, 62.5 Grade, 8 career starts
• OG Brandon Henderson – NR PFF, 53.5 Grade, 0 career starts
• OG Hunter Whitenack - #567 PFF, 50.5 Grade, 3 career starts
• OG Zy Crisler - #420 PFF, 57.3 Grade, 24 career starts
• OT Dezmond Schuster

Illinois has some okay talent coming back to the program. The offensive line is anchored by center Josh Kreutz. He started in 12 games last season and continues to develop.

Josh Gesky, Brandon Henderson, Hunter Whitenack, and Zy Crisler are also going to be back in an Illinois uniform. They all played snaps in 2023.

I am curious what Illinois can get out of Dezmond Schuster after he missed last season with an injury. He was a highly-rated junior college snag for Illinois last offseason. I think he could potentially be a big impact player in 2024.

Illinois offensive line additions

• OT J.C. Davis - #8 PFF, 84.6 grade, 25 career starts
• OG Kevin Wigenton - #121 PFF, 67.9 grade, 6 career starts
• OT Melvin Priestly - #295 PFF, 62.8 grade, 24 career starts
• OG Andrew Dennis – 4-star, #168 class of 2024, #7 guard in 2024

Bielema did a great job going out and getting some key pieces to bring competition and to fill holes in the Illinois offensive line.

J.C. Davis out of New Mexico will give the Illini a huge boost. He is joined by Kevin Wigenton out of Michigan State and Melvin Priestly out of Grambling State. All three transfer portal players bolster an Illinois offensive line that needed some help.

I believe Illinois is going to get some big-time snaps from incoming freshman Andrew Dennis as well. He was a big-time recruit who will likely be a staple in this offensive line.

Illinois football offensive line potential depth chart

• C Josh Kreutz - #155 PFF, 62.9 Grade, 12 career starts

Kreutz played well in 2023. He had 12 starts and a Pro Football Focus grade of 62.9. I fully expect him to continue to develop and be an All-Big Ten caliber center by the time he is done in Champaign.

• OG Kevin Wigenton - #121 PFF, 67.9 grade, 6 career starts

Illinois was able to land a guard in Wigenton who has Big Ten experience. He ranked No. 121 among all offensive linemen in 2023, and he had a Pro Football Focus grade of 67.9. That was by far a better grade than any Illinois offensive lineman last season.

With six starts under his belt, I believe Wigenton should be the leader in the clubhouse for a starting guard spot. My money is that he is going to start for the Illini from day one.

• OG Andrew Dennis – 4-star, #168 class of 2024, #7 guard in 2024

This spot is a tough one because Illinois has some experience returning at guard. But being a four-star and ranked as the No. 168 player in the class of 2024, I think Dennis could enter next season as a starter at guard.

While Dennis is going to be a freshman next season, he did enroll early. That is why I believe he is going to snag a starting job. Dennis will be able to participate in spring practice and get stronger before his freshman campaign. I think this kid has a really bright future.

• OT J.C. Davis - #8 PFF, 84.6 grade, 25 career starts

Bielema did a great job snagging one of the best offensive linemen in the transfer portal. Davis was a huge addition and someone who will start from day one at the tackle position.

Davis ranked as the No. 8 offensive tackle in the nation according to Pro Football Focus. He also had a grade of 84.6, which is incredible. Davis’ 25 career starts are impressive too. This kid is ready to mold Illinois’ offensive line into a great unit. We now have someone who can protect the edges.

• OT Melvin Priestly - #295 PFF, 62.8 grade, 24 career starts

The other offensive tackle position is kind of a question mark right now. I have Melvin Priestly lining up at the starting tackle alongside Davis.

Priestly has a ton of experience, and he will likely get the starting job. I would venture to say Priestly will lineup at right tackle while Davis will cover Luke Altmyer’s blindside at left tackle.