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.
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.
Interior Linebackers
Starter: Dylan Rosiek
Seeing 616 snaps for any program in the FBS is impressive, let alone in the Big Ten. That is the amount of action Dylan Rosiek saw last season for the Illinois football program.
Rosiek led Illinois in 2023 with 82 tackles. He also had four forced fumbles, three pass deflections, and a sack. I expect another big season out of Rosiek in 2024.
There is no doubt Rosiek is going to be starting for Illinois as an interior linebacker this season. He has been a staple in the Illinois defense for a couple of years now, and I firmly believe he could make a first or second-team All-Big Ten roster for the 2024 campaign.
Starter: Kenenna Odeluga
Both Illinois interior linebackers are juniors, so we could have them around for the 2025 campaign as well. That is exciting to think about, especially with the potential Kenenna Odeluga has at the position.
The path is clear for Odeluga to start in 2024. He had to share time in 2023 with Tarique Barnes, but it is now his time to shine. In just 322 snaps, Odeluga managed to rack up 37 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one pass deflection, and one sack last season.
I honestly believe that Illinois has one of the best one-two punches at linebacker in the Big Ten. Rosiek and Odeluga will cause problems for opposing offenses in 2024, and it is a big reason why Illinois fans should be excited about the potential of this team.
Backups
While I am pumped for the starting linebacker corps for the Illini, I think we get a little thin when it comes to backups for the interior linebackers.
James Kreutz, who played 83 snaps last season, is the most experienced backup interior linebacker Illinois has on the roster. He is a good player who managed 18 tackles and a sack last season. I think he could have a good year.
I am excited to see what Jojo Hayden can bring to the position as well. He is a young player out of East St. Louis who took a redshirt as a freshman in 2023. At 6-foot-2, Hayden has a ton of potential and could blossom into an elite player.
The only concern I have is inexperience with the interior linebacker depth. If the backups can develop a little more, Illinois is going to have one fierce middle of the defense.
Cornerbacks
Starter: Terrance Brooks
Coming into the offseason, Illinois needed to focus on adding talent in the secondary. Bret Bielema and the coaching staff knocked it out of the park. One of the best transfer portal additions by any team was Terrance Brooks.
Brooks transferred into the Illinois program from Texas. He was originally a four-star recruit and then saw decent time with the Longhorns. In two seasons, Brooks started 16 games and had a combined 29 tackles, nine pass deflections, and three interceptions. He was also an honorable mention All-Big 12 last season.
Without a doubt, Brooks is starting at cornerback for the Illini. He has a chance to be a special cornerback and make an All-Big Ten team as a junior. This could be a great two-year stretch for the Illinois secondary.
Starter: Torrie Cox Jr.
Illinois has a handful of cornerbacks who have a ton of experience. Brooks played 589 snaps last season, and I think alongside Brooks, Illinois will start Torrie Cox Jr.
Cox was another transfer portal get, but he came from the MAC where he played well for Ohio. With the Bobcats, Cox logged 483 snaps last season and over the past two seasons combined for 88 tackles, 7.0 pass deflections, 4.0 interceptions, 3.0 forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks.
This was a tough one because Illinois has another good option at cornerback, but Cox has a lot of experience and played well last season. The Illini coaching staff has a game plan, I think it involves Brooks and Cox starting in 2024.
Nickel Starter: Xavier Scott
Another great starting option for the Illinois football program is Xavier Scott. He was a big part of the Illinois secondary in 2023, and he will continue to be that big-time player for the Illini this season.
Scott played 788 snaps last season and finished with 57 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions. He was arguably our best defensive back, and I think he is going to continue that dominance in 2024.
I have Scott starting when Illinois goes with a nickel defense. When we go with a regular 3-4 defense, I see him rotating in and out with both Brooks and Cox. Scott is a special weapon for the Illini, and I can’t wait to see these three play in the secondary.
Backups
Much like the interior linebackers, the Illinois cornerbacks lack experience when it comes to second and third string.
The biggest rotational piece for the Illini should be Tyler Strain. He was a nice defensive back last season, and I fully expect him to see another big snap load in 2024. Strain at least gives Illinois some quality depth at cornerback.
Behind Strain, we get thin. I think Kaleb Patterson and Jaheim Clark will have a chance to make an impact. There could be a smattering of Chase Canada and Vernon Woodward II as well.
Safeties
Starter: Miles Scott
Illinois has one of the most experienced safeties in all of the Big Ten. Miles Scott is back for another season with the program after playing 818 snaps in 2023.
Scott was able to finish second on the team with 63 tackles. He also had three pass deflections and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns.
There is no doubt that Scott is a starting safety on the Illinois football team in 2024. The importance of him staying healthy in 2024 can not go unstated. The Illini depth isn’t great, so we need Scott to be playing nearly every down.
Starter: Matthew Bailey
Despite seeing very little time last season, I think Matthew Bailey is still in line to start for the 2024 season.
In game one last season, Bailey went down with a season-ending injury. He was going to be a big piece to the Illinois secondary, but after a year of waiting, he should be back and ready to go.
Bailey should have a big redshirt sophomore campaign. He has experience, as he played in 13 games as a true freshman, and I think a year of waiting will get him even more motivated for a huge comeback. I think Bailey gets the starting nod for the 2024 season.
Backups
I am intrigued by the depth Illinois has at safety heading into this season. While there isn’t a lot of FBS playing experience, we do have some pieces that could step up in a big way.
Mac Resetich looked good in the limited snaps he played in 2023. I think he could find his way into some big-time plays this season. Saboor Karriem was also a big recruit who saw action in games as a true freshman in 2023. His progression should be fun to watch.
Demetrius Hill is also a name to keep in mind. After making the freshman All-American team in 2022, Hill transferred into the Illinois program. He got hurt in game one last season and missed the entire year. Hill is back and could be big for the Illini.
I think all three players could see snaps and will be part of the rotation in 2024. Illinois has a lot of potential on the depth chart.