The Illinois football program has a lot to live up to after the past couple of seasons.
Luke Altmyer set a pretty high standard for the Illini. He spent three seasons in Champaign, which included back-to-back bowl wins over SEC programs, and 19 wins in the last two seasons.
Illinois has a solid roster entering the 2026 campaign. Bret Bielema did a good job not only replacing Altmyer, but the Illini roster seems solid from top to bottom.
The big question remains, who will start for the Orange and Blue? Here comes sweet speculation.
Here is the projected Illinois football depth chart for the 2026 season
Quarterback
- Starter: Katin Houser (SR)
It is a no-brainer that Katin Houser is Illinois’ starting quarterback this season. He is in Champaign for a cup of coffee, so why not make this year special?
Houser is coming off a season with East Carolina where he threw for 3,300 yards, 19 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has Big Ten experience, and he will be a nice option after three years of Luke Altmyer.
- 2nd String: Carson Boyd (SO)/Michael Clayton II (FR)
Illinois doesn’t have a quarterback on the roster who took a snap last season for the program. I think Carson Boyd has a chance to take the reins at quarterback in 2027, so having him as a 2nd stringer in 2026 seems logical. He also has a freshman breathing down his neck, as Bielema mentioned that Boyd and Michael Clayton II were in a great competition. It will be interesting to see if a freshman can win the backup job.
- 3rd String: Dane Eisenmenger (FR)
The Illinois quarterback room is young, but Bielema seems impressed already. He gave a shoutout to Dan Eisenmenger on his play already, but I don't expect him to make much noise in 2026.
Running Back
- Starter: Ca’Lil Valentine (JR)
Over the years, Aidan Laughery would take this spot, but I think Ca’Lil Valentine has earned the starting job. He has been the most reliable running back for Illinois, and last season, he transitioned into the most effective running back, too.
Valentine led the Illini with 614 yards on the ground. He also added four touchdowns and had a respectable 4.7 yards per carry. He finished the season on a high note, tallying 22 carries for 139 yards and a touchdown in the final two games against Northwestern and Tennessee. That is 6.3 yards per carry. I expect that in 2026.
- 2nd String: Aidan Laughery (5th) /Jordan Anderson (5th)
Illinois has some great options at running back. Laughery is going to be the main running back to spell Valentine, but we will also use Jordan Anderson around the goal line. He came in and was a utility player for the Illini last season. Look for Anderson to potentially lead Illinois’ running back room in touchdowns.
- 3rd String: John Forster (SO)/Cedric Wyche II (SO)
These two are the future at running back for the Illini. John Forster has dealt with injuries, and both he and Cedric Wyche II can run the ball well. I don’t expect either to get many carries, but they will at least get their feet wet.
Tight End
- Starter: Kaden Feagin (SR)
This is going to be the weirdest transition for the 2026 season. Kaden Feagin is now Illinois’ tight end, and I think he starts from day one.
Feagin was second on the team in running yards and led the team in touchdowns on the ground in 2026. Illinois is pulling him away from the constant contact, which should keep Feagin healthy. The ability to catch the ball is a massively underrated part of his game. Feagin had 16 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns for Illinois last season.
- 2nd String: Christian Abney (SR)
Illinois lost nearly all of the tight end production from the 2026 campaign. Feagin should slip into the starting job, and I could see someone like Christian Abney getting snaps as a blocker and someone who can roll out.
- 3rd String: Maurice Smith Jr. (5th)/Davin Stoffel (SR)
It will be interesting to see how Barry Lunney Jr. uses the tight end depth. Illinois has a ton of bodies, and it wouldn’t shock me to see both Maurice Smith Jr and Davin Stoffel get some play in 2026.
Wide Receiver
- Starter: Jayshon Platt (5th)
Now that I am laying out the potential depth chart for 2026, I am gaining more confidence in what we are going to see. The fact that Illinois landed a player like Jayshon Platt in the transfer portal is extremely underrated.
Platt amassed 46 receptions for 720 yards and five touchdowns with Florida Atlantic last season. He is quick and can take the top off a defense. Houser is going to love Platt as an option deep.
- 2nd String: Ty Robinson (6th)
The depth for the Illini at wide receiver is really impressive. I think the 2nd string option at wide receiver could go to a couple of players, but Ty Robinson might win out. He is a 6th-year player, and his 6-foot-4 size is going to be a nice luxury for the Illinois offense.
- 3rd String: Nas Rankin (FR)
Illinois beat out a ton of power-four programs for Nas Rankin’s commitment. He is a wild card on this wide receiver corps, as he could work his way up and see starts this season. Rankin is an incredible athlete who will wow on the football field.
Wide Receiver
- Starter: Hudson Clement (5th)
While Illinois lost some key talent from last season, we got back big playmakers like Hudson Clement. He was a nice weapon for Illinois and a great transfer portal get.
Clement finished last season second on the team with 36 receptions and third on the team with 454 yards receiving. He also had three touchdowns. I fully expect Clement to have a pretty big year for a solid Illinois offense.
- 2nd String: Brayden Trimble (SO)
I am waiting for Brayden Trimble to break out and be a star. He was a great recruit for the Illini, but he hasn’t taken off like most hoped. Trimble has a chance to get a lot of snaps in 2026.
- 3rd String: Kenyon Alston (FR)
There were a ton of freshmen brought into the program from a great class of 2026. I think Kenyon Alston will see snaps this season, but I am not sure how many meaningful snaps. He could be just waiting in the wings for 2027.
Wide Receiver
- Starter: Collin Dixon (SR)
Illinois only had one preseason All-Big Ten player, and he wasn’t on the offensive side of the ball. It wouldn’t shock me if Collin Dixon emerged as one of the top players in the conference.
Dixon had a big year for Illinois last season. He had 35 receptions for 548 yards. His five touchdowns paced the wide receiver corps. Dixon is someone who could be a breakout star for the Illini.
- 2nd String: Alex Perry (5th)
I would argue that Illinois has more weapons on the outside this season than we did last year. Alex Perry had 56 receptions for 840 yards and nine touchdowns with Florida International last season. If he brings 80% of that over to Illinois, then we are in for a big year.
- 3rd String: Jershaun Newton (SO)
One of the surprises of fall camp thus far is Jershaun Newton's move from quarterback to wide receiver. Bielema mentioned he is playing with the second string, but I don't see him being that big of an impact at wide receiver immediately. Hopefully, the thought is to have him be the next Isaiah Williams.
Left Tackle
- Starter: Christian Martin (SR)
Illinois was extremely productive in the transfer portal, and one of the biggest gets might be Christian Martin.
Martin came from Colorado State, where he started every game for the Rams last season. He now comes to Illinois, and Bielema has already named him the starter at left tackle.
- 2nd String: Alfred Washington (SR)/Champ Smith (FR)
The backup at left tackle could be interesting. Illinois has someone like Alfred Washington ready to take snaps, but one of our prized recruits, Champ Smith, could be a good option, too. Hopefully, we don’t have to use our backups too much in 2026.
Left Guard
- Starter: Maika Matelau (SO)
The Illinois coaching staff did some impressive work this offseason. The starter at left guard for the Illini looks to be newcomer Maika Matelau.
Matelau joined the Illinois program from the junior college ranks. He is only a sophomore, so he still has plenty of time in Champaign. He was the best overall interior lineman in the JUCO ranks, and Illinois has him starting at left guard.
- 2nd String: Zafir Stewart (JR)
I am not wild about the Illini depth at left guard. I have Zafir Stewart as the 2nd string option at this position. He doesn’t have experience, which makes me nervous.
Center
- Starter: Jake Renfro (7th)
You can’t get more experience than Jake Renfro at center. He came into the program from the transfer portal, where he spent the last couple of seasons at Wisconsin.
Renfro dealt with massive injury issues in 2025, but he was a constant starter for the Badgers in years prior. If he can stay healthy, Renfro should anchor the Illinois offensive line.
- 2nd String: TJ McMillen (SR)
Illinois has some experience in the 2nd string at center. TJ McMillen has snaps and a start under his belt. If anything bad were to happen with Renfro, at least Illinois has an option.
Right Guard
- Starter: Brandon Henderson (SR)
Brandon Henderson was a staple on the Illinois offensive line in 2025. He started in 12 of 13 games at right guard, and this was after he started seven games the year prior.
I love having Henderson at right guard for 2026. He gives us stability on the interior offensive line that we need desperately. Henderson is a great option for the Illini.
- 2nd String: Brandon Hansen (JR)
Illinois’ depth at right guard isn’t bad. Brandon Hansen is the 2nd string option for Henderson. He is someone who played in 13 games last season and even got a start in the one game Henderson was out. Bielema has some experience at this crucial position.
Right Tackle
- Starter: Nathan Knapik (JR)
Illinois was able to pull Nathan Knapik in from Idaho in 2025. He got a start at left tackle, and he also saw action in a handful of games. Bielema mentioned at media days that he believes Knapik will get the starting job.
- 2nd String: TJ Taylor (JR)
Honestly, I am surprised that Bielema didn’t have TJ Taylor starting for the Illini. He was a big-time JUCO get, as he was the No. 2 JUCO offensive lineman in the country. Illinois will be able to use him off the bench, and that is such an asset.
Defensive Lineman
- Starter: Joe Barna (JR)
I love what Joe Barna did for Illinois last season, and I think he builds on that in 2026 with a starting job on the defensive line.
Barna played in every game, and he made an impact late in the season for the shorthanded Illini. He ended the season with 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2.0 pass deflections, and 1.0 forced fumbles.
- 2nd String: Pat Farrell (SR)/Will Holmes (JR)
Pat Farrell had a good 2025 campaign for the Illini, and I think that gives him a good shot at a 2nd string spot. He played in 13 games and managed 11.0 tackles, 2.0 pass deflections, and 1.5 sacks on the season. Don't sleep on Will Holmes, though. He is a transfer portal addition from Utah State, where he had 45 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 quarterback hurries, 2.0 sacks, and 1.0 interceptions. He moved to the defensive line early in fall practice.
Nose Tackle
- Starter: Darrell Prater (5th)
Illinois helped rebuild the defensive line this offseason through the transfer portal. One great addition was Darrell Prater.
Prater had 23 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks last season for Jacksonville State. He has great experience, as the nose tackle started three games and played in 14 contests. Illinois needed a big man to anchor the middle of the defensive line, and Prater fits the mold perfectly.
- 2nd String: Isaiah White (SO)
I loved the addition of Isaiah White to the team before last season. He didn’t get to play much, as he took a redshirt, but White should get his chances in 2026. As of right now, I have White as the 2nd string option at nose tackle.
Defensive Lineman
- Starter: Carter Janki (5th)
Another great transfer portal addition was from the Ivy League ranks. Carter Janki is finishing his career at Illinois, and he comes in with a ton of promise.
Janki started 10 games for Penn last season and had 42.0 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 quarterback hurries, and 4.0 sacks. His presence on the defensive line is going to be huge for the Illini, and that is why I have him starting this season.
- 2nd String: Isaiah Thomison (SR)
Not every transfer portal addition is about getting a starter. I think Isaiah Thomison gives Illinois quality depth on the defensive line. He joins the program from Bowling Green, where he has good experience and put up 12.0 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 quarterback hurries, and 2.0 fumble recoveries.
Linebacker
- Starter: Daniel Brown (5th)
Illinois snagged Daniel Brown from the junior college route a couple of years ago. He has been a solid player for the program, and I think he is ready to take the jump to a starting job in 2026.
Brown got two starts under his belt last year. He finished with 11.0 tackles and 1.0 pass deflections. It wouldn’t shock me to see him and Grant Beerman in a constant rotation, as both players are vying for a starting job.
- 2nd String: Grant Beerman (SO)
I think the sky is the limit for Beerman. This kid was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, and if he starts, it wouldn’t be surprising at all. Beerman has a future All-Big Ten linebacker written all over him. Let’s see how this linebacker position plays out.
Linebacker
- Starter: Robert Edmonson (SR)
I think one of the more underrated additions this offseason was Robert Edmonson from Colorado State. He joins the Illini with good experience and impressive numbers.
Edmonson started four games last season and played in 11 contests. He had 49.0 tackles, 6.0 quarterback hurries, 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, and 1.0 interceptions. I think he could come into the program and start from day one. He has so much speed and talent that could help the Illinois linebacker corps immediately.
- Starter: Mason Muragin (SR)
Illinois didn't get a lot out of Mason Muragin last season, as he only played in two games. There are some depth concerns at linebacker for the Illini, but I think he can quickly pick up steam and be effective for the program in the second string.
Linebacker
- Starter: James Kreutz (5th)
The most experienced returning linebacker for Illinois is James Kreutz. He is coming back to the program, and I would be shocked if he doesn’t start.
Kreutz finished last season with 29.0 tackles and 3.0 pass deflections. It is going to be nice to have depth at linebacker, so someone like Kreutz doesn’t have to try to play Superman out there. He has quality help.
- 2nd String: Ismael Kante (5th)
Another returning linebacker for the Illini is Ismael Kante. He played sparingly last season, but I think he could have an expanded role in 2026. Kante finished with 8.0 tackles and 1.0 pass deflections in 2025.
Nickel Corner
- Starter: Xavier Scott (5th)
It is going to be so nice to have Xavier Scott back in the mix. He went down early in 2025 with an injury, and the Illinois defense suffered greatly.
Scott is coming back healthy, and I think he starts at the nickel cornerback position. He is someone who can fly all over the field, and Scott is Illinois’ only preseason All-Big Ten player. Look for him to have a big year and become an All-American.
- 2nd String: Andre Lovett Jr. (SO)/Deuce Fillmore (SR)
I am excited about the potential depth Illinois has in the secondary this season. Andre Lovett Jr. returns, but we also added Deuce Fillmore in the offseason. Both players have a ton of talent, and I think they could fight for the 2nd string spot at the nickel position. Both players are a nice insurance policy for Scott.
Cornerback
- Starter: Jakwon Morris (JR)
Another sneaky offseason addition for the Orange and Blue was Jakwon Morris. He spent two seasons in the junior college ranks, and in 2025, he had 35.0 tackles, 7.0 pass breakups, and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Illinois needed cornerback help in the worst way, and Bielema answered the bell. Morris should be starting at one of the cornerback spots on the depth chart. He might end up being the best cornerback we have on the roster this season.
- 2nd String: Tanner Heckel (JR)
The potential backup to Morris could be Tanner Heckel. He has a ton of experience playing for Illinois, and that is so valuable for the program. Heckel finished last season with 37.0 tackles, 2.0 pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, and 1.0 forced fumbles.
Safety
- Starter: Matthew Bailey (5th)
Illinois has to keep Matthew Bailey healthy for the 2026 season. If he can remain on the field for all contests, I think Bailey has a legitimate chance to be an All-Big Ten player, if not an All-American.
Bailey is already built like an NFL safety. He is going to be one of the scariest players coming across the middle. I expect him to add on to his 76.0 tackles, 2.0 pass deflections, and 2.0 forced fumbles in 2026.
- Backup: Xanai Scott (SO)
Bielema liked what he had in Xanai Scott last season. He took a redshirt, but the fact that he played in four games shows you the potential of this kid. I think there is a chance Scott comes out and gives Illinois crucial snaps. He provides nice depth for the secondary.
Safety
- Starter: Mac Resetich (SR)
There could easily be a battle for the other starting safety spot. For now, I have Mac Resetich starting at safety. He had 19.0 tackles last season, and he played in every game for the Illini.
Resetich has shown promise over the years. He has been up and down play-wise, but he has grown into his role. The fact that Illinois went out and got some competition should have him worried, though.
- 2nd String: Lavon Williams (5th)
I love the addition of Lavon Williams. He has a ton of experience in the college game, and he comes with an impressive resume. He started 19 games the last two seasons for East Texas A&M, and he amassed 75.0 tackles, 8.0 pass deflections, 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 1.0 interceptions in 2025. Having him as a backup, and potentially a starter, is a nice luxury.
Cornerback
- Starter: Juice Clarke (SR)
Illinois has another potential All-American in Juice Clarke. He is a great defensive back for the Illini, and if he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit.
Even with missing four games last season, Clarke finished with 30.0 tackles and 7.0 pass deflections. He was a star for the program, and I think he starts heading into the 2026 campaign. Look for Clarke to have a big year.
- 2nd String: James Finley IV (SO)
People are sleeping on this transfer portal addition for the Illini, too. James Finley IV had a great freshman campaign with Northern Illinois, and now he is bringing that talent to Champaign. He finished 2025 with 21.0 tackles, 2.0 pass deflections, and 2.0 interceptions. He is going to see snaps this season and probably a couple of starts.
Add us as a preferred source on Google