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Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Gabe Jacas is the outgoing star of Illinois' defense, so who will take over that role for the Illini in 2026?

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Gabe Jacas is the outgoing star of Illinois' defense, so who will take over that role for the Illini in 2026?

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Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Miles Scott (10), quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) and offensive lineman Josh Kreutz (64) hoist the trophy after defeating the Tennessee Volunteers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Illinois faces a tougher road in 2026. Here is how Illini fans should feel about every likely potential record this season.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is shown after their game Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Illinois beat Wisconsin 34-10.

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Illinois added more depth to its receiving corps after signing Illinois transfer Eddie Kasper on Thursday

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (QB03) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Luke Altmyer, Gabe Jacas and J.C. Davis should all hear their names called in April's NFL Draft, but which destinations are most likely for each?

Sep 20, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks onto the field prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

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Justin Johnson is the second player of the 2027 high school graduating class to commit to Illinois after the defensive back committed to the Illini on Wednesday.

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches warm ups before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

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The Illini added two new coaches – Robby Hauck (defensive backs assistant) and Mike Linehan (defensive ends) – to their staff Tuesday

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball during the 2025 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.

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Altmyer, Gabe Jacas and J.C. Davis will all work out at the pro football scouting event scheduled for Feb. 25-March 2

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Bret Bielema and the Illini lined up visits with a handful of potential impact recruits on Monday

Nov 22, 2025; Missoula, MT, USA; Montana Grizzlies head coach Bobby Hauck looks on during the first half against the Montana State Bobcats at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Thomas Shroyer-Imagn Images

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Hauck, the Illini's new defensive coordinator, has vast experience, a track record of success and, above all, an aggressive approach

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Illinois offered three-star offensive lineman Ian Walker on Friday and state-champ safety Jake Thies on Monday

Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) is pursued by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jett Elad (9) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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After playing running back for the first three years of his college career at Illinois, Kaden Feagin will move to tight end for his senior season.

Dec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Three former Illini football players could take the field for Super Bowl LX when the New England Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema prior to a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium.

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The Illini lost 26 players to the transfer portal from last year's 9-4 squad. We keep you updated on all of them here.

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema gives players a hand after a 34-32 win against the Southern California Trojans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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The Illini landed former Illinois State commit Harvey and reeled in the explosive Leslie Mosley Jr. on Thursday

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The Illini signed Caden Considine, son of former NFL safety Sean Considine, and offered edge rusher Ifeanyi Emedobi over the weekend

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Illinois offered four high school recruits this week, including in-state four-star linebacker Jameer Miles

Aug 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) runs onto the field before the start of an NCAA game against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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The Illini are expected to ride the ups and downs of a transition year in 2026, but are they quietly poised for their best season yet under Bret Bielema?

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The Illini are building off a strong season by turning their attention to the 2027 class, extending an early offer to a talented 2027 prospect

Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema hoist the trophy with Doug from Liberty Mutual against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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With the transfer portal closed, the Illini extended scholarship offers to a pair of high school recruits from fertile football hotbeds

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The Illini signed another defensive lineman via the transfer portal after signing Darrell Prater out of Jacksonville State on Wednesday

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Illinois signed Bowling Green transfer Isaiah Thomison and offered defensive back Darrell Mattison of Morgan Park (Chicago) on Saturday

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The Illini offered junior receiver Tre Moore and sophomore tight end Jordan McKinley on Friday

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) and teammates do the Illini Walk before kickoff against the Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Scott, who missed the final 10 games of 2025 because of season-ending surgery, is coming back to the Illini for one more season

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Moczulski left Illinois for Washington a year ago, but on Wednesday he announced he is returning to Champaign to play out his final year of eligibility

Illinois running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) runs the ball ahead of Tennessee defensive back Andre Turrentine (2) and linebacker Jadon Perlotte (27) for a first down in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl against Tennessee in an NCAA football game on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Valentine gave a sign – or, in this case, a tweet – indicating he'll be back in orange and blue in the fall