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Projected 2025-26 Illinois basketball lineup without Jeremiah Fears

Illinois basketball lost a four-star point guard on Monday, and this forces the projected Illini lineup for 2025-26 to change

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood leads a team huddle during the second half against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood leads a team huddle during the second half against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports / Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
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No. 3 Wing

Starter: Tre White (SR)

Whenever I post a projected Illinois lineup, I have Tre White starting. I have seen some people saying that White is not going to start this season. The reason I have him starting is that I can’t see a player like White, who has started 55 out of 62 games in his first two seasons of college basketball, transferring to a place to come off the bench. So, not only do I have White starting next season, but I also have him starting in 2025-26 at the No. 3 spot.

Over the past two seasons, White has continued to improve his game. He averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game with Louisville as a sophomore. I think this kid is going to be sensational for the Illini, and by his senior year, he should be an All-Big Ten caliber slasher on the wing.

Backup: Jake Davis (JR)

People continue to be enamored by some of the great talent that Illinois is bringing into the program, but I think the sneakiest addition of the offseason for any program is Jake Davis.

Davis had a great freshman campaign for Mercer. With the Bears, he averaged 9.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 38.7% from three-point range. I have Davis being a big backup for the Illini next season, and as a junior, he should see 20 or more minutes playing multiple positions. I have him slotted as the primary backup at the No. 3 spot for now, though.

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