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Projected 2024 Illinois football defensive depth chart

While the Illinois football offense needs to score points, the Illini defense needs to prevent them. That is what I am hoping happens with the 2024 defensive unit.

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Kenenna Odeluga (39) tackles Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Xavier Trueblood (97)during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Kenenna Odeluga (39) tackles Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Xavier Trueblood (97)during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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Illinois football needs a resurgence on the defensive side of the ball in 2024.

Last season was a struggle at times. The Illini defense didn’t put a full game together often, and the injury bug struck quite a few times.

Illinois ranked sub-50 nationally in both pass and rush defense. That isn’t a way to win games. But 2024 should bear better results. While some key players departed, the Illinois coaching staff had a good offseason and filled some holes.

Here is the projected 2024 Illinois football defensive depth chart

Defensive Line

Starter: DT Dennis Briggs Jr.

The biggest change on the Illinois defense is going to be on the defensive line. All three starters from the 2024 campaign are gone, but the coaching staff did a great job replacing that talent.

One of the key additions was Dennis Briggs Jr. The Florida State transfer combined for 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks during his six-year stint in Tallahassee. He now brings that great experience and leadership to the Illinois defensive line.

With so many departures from the 2023 squad, I have Briggs starting on the end of the defensive line. He should be able to have the best season of his career, as Illinois will need him in a big way.

Backups

There are a lot of young and inexperienced players who will be backing up the Illinois starters on the defensive line. I think we could see some freshmen getting decent snaps in 2024.

As of right now, I could legitimately see Angelo McCullom and Demetrius John sharing reps behind Briggs. These two defensive linemen were solid gets for the Illini in the class of 2024. I don’t think there is anything set in stone, so each player will have a chance to shine.

Starter: NT TeRah Edwards

There are only a couple of defensive linemen from the 2023 squad who played snaps for the Illini last season. The most experienced returning lineman is TeRah Edwards.

Since Edwards joined the program in 2022, he has been a backup for the Illini. He has been able to fill in for the starters when they needed a rest. That is over now. I think Edwards is going to jump into the starting role at nose tackle this season.

Over the past two seasons, Edwards had a combined 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks. I could see those being his numbers in his final season with the program. I am not asking a lot, but we need to be able to stop the run and get some type of pressure up the middle. That responsibility will likely rest on Edwards’ shoulders.

Backups

Bret Bielema was able to go out and get a nice option as a rotational piece at nose tackle for 2024. The addition of Enyce Sledge should pay off in a big way.

Sledge is a transfer from Auburn. He didn’t get a chance to play with the Tigers, as he spent two seasons there and only saw snaps in four games, but the talented defensive lineman has a ton of potential. As a redshirt sophomore, his development is going to be crucial for the future of the program.

Pat Farrell is another option I wouldn’t mind seeing at nose tackle. He hasn’t played for the Illini, but the kid is young and could make an impact on the defensive line in the next couple of seasons.

Starter: DT Gentle Hunt

The final piece to the starting defensive line is Gentle Hunt. This is a new name to Illinois fans, but Hunt was a great get for the Orange and Blue in the transfer portal.

Hunt suited up for Florida A&M last season in the FCS. He ended up having a great year, ranking No. 74 among all defensive linemen in both the FBS and FCS, according to Pro Football Focus. With the Rattlers in 2023, Hunt managed to rack up 30 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 1.0 forced fumbles.

I see Hunt as a big part of the Illinois defensive line. He is going to be the Jer’Zhan Newton role of backfield wrecker. The Illini will need this. I think Hunt is in store for a big season.

Backups

Keep an eye on Alex Bray in 2024. Bray played 32 snaps last season, and at 6-foot-4, he could really do some damage on the defensive line. I expect Bray to be rotated in and out with not only Hunt but also with Briggs on the other end of the line.

I am excited about the potential of incoming freshman Eddie Tuerk as well. The talented in-state recruit has a lot of potential, but hopefully, we don’t need him this season. A redshirt would be nice, but if Tuerk shows out, look for him to get snaps as a true freshman.

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