4. Luke Baklenko – Offensive Tackle
The depth on the offensive line was already a struggle, but after some departures via the transfer portal, we are looking for more bodies up front.
A decent option from the transfer portal would be Luke Baklenko. Coming out of Oaks Christian High School in California, Baklenko was a three-star recruit who was the No. 667 player in the class of 2023. He was also the No. 47 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 59 player coming out of California.
Baklenko chose Stanford as his landing spot. He spent two seasons with the Cardinal. This past season, he played 646 snaps on the offensive line.
In the transfer portal, 247Sports has Baklenko as the No. 253 transfer in the country and the No. 19 offensive tackle. But I think this would still be a good addition because he would compete for a starting job and at least help build depth.
Illinois is definitely in the running for Baklenko as well. He has started to schedule official visits, and the Illini are getting an official visit on Monday, December 16.
When I look at the Illinois offensive line and what we have entering 2025, Baklenko would easily be able to compete for a starting job. I want Illinois to land Miles McVay, and he would have a starting job locked up. But besides JC Davis, who is now gone, Illinois didn’t have a great starter at the offensive tackle position. Baklenko would be a good option.