Projected 2024 Illinois football offensive depth chart

Offensive Line

Starter: OT Melvin Priestly

Illinois had an okay offensive line in 2023, and I think with the offseason we just had, the blocking could improve this season.

Melvin Priestly was a big get in the transfer portal. He played at Grambling State last season and was one of the most wanted offensive tackles available this offseason. Illinois swooped in to land him.

Illinois had both Isaiah Adams and Julian Pearl land with professional teams, and Priestly’s overall grade from 2023 was similar to those two Illini offensive linemen. I am not expecting perfection out of Priestly, but he is going to be a solid starting offensive tackle for the Illinois football program.

Backups

Behind Priestly, I have a couple of solid options. I think Dezmond Schuster is one of the first offensive tackles off the bench to get snaps. He is coming off a season where he didn’t see snaps and is ready to come into his own.

Another option at offensive tackle is Brandon Hansen. He was a good get for Illinois in the class of 2024. My expectation is that he eventually takes a redshirt, but if we need him for health purposes, he will be ready.

Starter: OG Kevin Wigenton II

This one was a bit tougher than most of the other offensive line positions. Illinois has a couple of good offensive guards who will likely see starts this season, but I think Kevin Wigenton II will take the starting job to begin the 2024 season.

Illinois was able to load up in the transfer portal this offseason. I already mentioned adding offensive tackle Melvin Priestly, and the Illini snagged Wigenton from the transfer portal as well from Michigan State.

Among all of the guards for the Illini, Wigenton had the highest grade from Pro Football Focus. He not only gives Illinois a solid starter on the front lines, but his presence builds great depth at a position that doesn’t usually have depth.

Backups

The main backup to Wigenton this season should be Josh Gesky. He was a big piece of the Illinois offensive line in 2023, as he played 521 snaps and was a solid contributor to the offense. I think Gesky will likely see multiple starts this season, but it is nice to have a good one-two punch at this guard role.

I also have TJ McMillen as a backup to Wigenton and Gesky. He took a redshirt last season, so I don’t expect to see much of McMillen in 2024. He is a nice depth piece, though.

Starter: C Josh Kreutz

From day one, Josh Kreutz has been a big part of the Illinois offense. He wasn’t the highest-rated recruit at his position, but he has stepped into a leadership role on the offensive line.

Kreutz has been a workhorse for the Illinois football program. He played 853 snaps and started every game for the Illini in 2023. Kreutz made the All-Big Ten honorable mention list, and he enters the 2024 campaign as a preseason All-Big Ten fourth team.

I am excited to see Kreutz continue to develop as the anchor for the Illinois offensive line. As a junior, I expect big things out of him this season. That is why I believe he will continue to start as long as he is on the roster.

Backups

Clearly, Illinois didn’t have much use for a backup, as Kreutz played 853 snaps in 2023. But in the spring game, I believe Kevin Wigenton II moved over to snap the ball to our backup quarterbacks.

Landing Wigenton out of the transfer portal is going to be valuable for more than one reason. Yes, he is a great player at guard and will provide depth at that position, but he is also flexible enough to play multiple roles. That is huge for the Illini.

Starter: OG Zy Crisler

After playing at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2021, Zy Crisler ended up transferring and landing with the Illini. Since he joined the program, he has started in 24 games in two seasons and has been an honorable mention All-Big Ten both times around.

Entering the 2024 campaign, I don’t see Bret Bielema changing course. I see him starting Crisler once again, and this is probably the best move. With so many starts under his belt, Crisler provides great experience for the Illinois offensive line.

The only issue that may arise is the fact Crisler didn’t play all that well last season. He is great at pulling, but his pass blocking is below average. At one time, he was one of the lowest-rated offensive guards in the country. Keep an eye on Crisler early on in the season. If he struggles, it wouldn’t shock me to see him pulled. I think he is our starter for game one, though.

Backups

This is where Illinois gets a little weak. Behind Crisler, Wigenton, and Gesky, the talent kind of drops off. Behind Crisler, I have Hunter Whitenack as the backup. He played 263 snaps in 2023, so he has experience.

Honestly, if push comes to shove, I think there is a solid chance Gesky plays both guard roles when someone needs a rest.

Behind Cisler and Whitenack, I then have Zach Aamland providing depth in the third string. He was a freshman in 2023 and took a redshirt. His development will be something to watch this season.

Starter: OT JC Davis

I have mentioned this numerous times already, but the Illinois offseason was tremendous. The coaching staff was able to go out and get some big pieces to fill huge voids, especially in the offensive line.

Arguably the biggest get for the Illini was offensive tackle, JC Davis. Davis was the No. 8 rated offensive tackle among both the FBS and the FCS last season. He started in 24 games the last two seasons with New Mexico, and in 2023, he was a member of the All-Mountain West first team.

Entering the 2024 campaign, pundits aren’t giving Davis his flowers. He is coming into the season as a preseason Big Ten third and fourth-team player by some of the outlets, but I think Davis is about to have a big year. He is going to be a part of an Illinois team that has a powerful offense. I am excited to see what Luke Altmyer can do with some time in the pocket. Davis is going to be starting every game for the Orange and Blue.

Backups

I think the primary backup to Davis is going to be Brandon Henderson. As a freshman in 2023, he played in eight games for the program. I love the potential this kid has and fully expect him to blossom into a great player for this program.

Competing for snaps should also be Magnus Moller. He didn’t play as a redshirt freshman in 2023, but at 6-foot-9, I think we can find some snaps for the big man. Illinois has some nice depth enter the upcoming season.