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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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Edge Linebacker

Starter: Seth Coleman

I would argue this is one of the most experienced linebacking corps I have seen at Illinois in a long time. Seth Coleman is back for one final season, and he should be incredible for the Illini defense.

Coleman played 625 snaps in 2023. His six sacks were second on the team only behind Jer’Zhan Newton. Coleman also had 50 tackles and four pass deflections.

There is no doubt that Coleman will not only start, but at this point, I think the question is will he be first or second-team All-Big Ten in 2024?

Starter: Gabe Jacas

The other stater at the edge linebacker role should be Gabe Jacas. As a freshman, he burst onto the scene and was a freshman All-American. He had a great 2023 campaign as well.

Jacas finished last season with 31 tackles, four sacks, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble. Going into his junior year, Jacas has the chance to continue to improve and be one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten.

I think Jacas is undisputably the other starter on the Illinois defense. If we do go with a nickel look, he might have to rotate out, but in a standard 3-4 defense, Jacas should eat.

Backups

I think Illinois has some good depth on the edges for 2024. Coleman and Jacas should hold their own as starters, and when they need a rest, Illinois can trot out Alec Bryant and Ezekiel Holmes.

Bryant played 361 snaps last season. He was actually the highest-rated outside linebacker Illinois put on the field. Holmes logged 132 snaps for the Illini in 2023. Both players should see good work this upcoming season.

I think Daniel Brown could push Holmes for snaps this season too. He is a good junior college addition this offseason, and he was one of the top junior college transfers. Look for Brown to cause some waves and be a big part of the Illinois rotation in 2024.

The last player I want to mention when it comes to edge linebackers is Mason Muragin. He took a redshirt last season as a freshman, but I think this kid could rise rapidly on the Illinois depth chart. I think he has a bright future ahead of him. Keep an eye on Muragin in 2024.

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