The season is just a little over a month away, but Illinois football fans already get to experience what the team might look like in 2025.
Within the past week, College Football 26 was released. The Illini have a pretty good team on the field, as they are competitive with other top programs looking to make the College Football Playoff.
But there were some issues I saw with how a few Illinois players were rated. Now, the ratings are all opinions, but I think a few of the Illini players need to be adjusted slightly.
Here are the top five most underrated Illinois football players in College Football 26
- Alec Bryant (OLB) – 73 overall
I’ll be the first to say, Alec Bryant didn’t have a great 2024 campaign. He finished with 22 tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections.
This was a bit of a down year for Bryant, but I fully expect a rebound in 2025. There will be so much attention on Gabe Jacas, so I think Bryant could have a lot of one-on-ones with offensive linemen. This should bode well for him.
To rate Bryant 73 overall is a bit underrated, though. He was a main cog in the Illinois defense last season, and that shouldn’t change in 2025. Daniel Brown and Leon Lowery Jr. will have a say in snaps, but as a senior, Bryant will get plenty of chances. I think he should be somewhere in the mid-to-high 70s.
- Gentle Hunt (DL) – 74 overall
The College Football 26 creators didn’t know what to do with Gentle Hunt. Hunt came to Illinois and was injured for much of the season. We got to see glimpses of him late in the year, and he looked good.
Hunt, the former All-SWAC second teamer, should see plenty of snaps in 2025. I think you are looking at a 3-4 or nickel defensive line comprised of James Thompson Jr., Tomiwa Durojaiye, and Curt Neal. That is my projected starting three.
I think Hunt will see plenty of snaps. It wouldn’t shock me to see him contend for a few starts, too. He has a good game, and Illinois doesn’t have much depth on the defensive line. Hunt will be crucial this season, and having him 74 overall is underrated. Much like Bryant, he should be in the high 70s.
- Malik Elzy (WR) – 76 overall
I think all Illinois football fans have been waiting for the day Malik Elzy breaks out. The former four-star recruit has been flying under the radar in Champaign, but the runway is clear for him to take off.
Elzy showed glimpses of special talent last season, tallying four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. He had a lot of talent ahead of him, though.
Illinois’ top two wide receivers, Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin, are both gone. That leaves 109 receptions to be had. Elzy should be on the receiving end of a lot of those passes.
Look for Elzy to have a big year. I think rating his 76 overall is not right. I would have him as 80 overall with the potential to rise rapidly.
- Cole Rusk (TE) – 77 overall
I think a reason for some of Illinois’ low ratings is the unknown. A player like Cole Rusk only got a 77 rating, but I think he could have a big year.
Rusk was supposed to be the starting tight end for the Illini last season, but he got injured before the 2024 campaign even kicked off. He came to Illinois from Murray State, where Rusk was an FCS third-team All-American.
Tanner Arkin (80 OVR) is rated higher than Rusk, and I understand that, as he had 16 receptions for 111 yards and three touchdowns last season. I would bet a lot of money on Rusk having better numbers, if healthy, than Arkin in 2025, though. I think Rusk has the talent to be around 82 or 83 overall in the College Football 26 game.
- Collin Dixon (WR) – 79 overall
There are plenty of players who I am excited for in 2025. With Luke Altmyer returning, the Illinois offense could be in for a special season.
One player I would keep an eye on for All-Big Ten mention this year is Collin Dixon. The stud wide receiver had a great freshman campaign of 18 receptions for 264 yards. That came on a team that had plenty of talent ahead of him to start the season, too.
Dixon no longer has the two lead dogs ahead of him. Honestly, this could easily be the Collin Dixon show in 2025. He has the potential to have a massive season, especially since he and Altmyer clearly have chemistry.
I was a bit surprised that Dixon was only 79 overall. He is Illinois’ best returning wide receiver, and I think he could skyrocket up the ratings as the season progresses. I would peg Dixon more as an 85 overall. Look for him to have a massive year for the Orange and Blue.