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Keeping the moment going in Bielema's sixth season will depend a
lot on transfer QB Katin Houser. He is replacing three-year
starter Luke Altmyer, now in the NFL. Houser threw for 6,438
yards and 43 touchdowns and rushed for 15 TDs in four years
split between Michigan State and East Carolina before returning
to the Big Ten.
The unranked Illini have three games vs. Top 25 teams on their
schedule, and two are at home.
Strengths include the secondary
The Illini have switched to an unconventional 3-3-5 scheme on
defense orchestrated by new coordinator Bobby Hauck and anchored
by fifth-year DBs Matthew Bailey and Xavier Scott. The reason is
to make the best use of their talent on defense and force
opponents to prepare for a defense they don't usually see.
Bailey was Illinois’ leading tackler the last two seasons; Scott
missed the final 10 games last season because of an injury but
was one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award as the
nation's top defensive back in 2024.
Weaknesses include backup QB
About half the players on the Illinois roster are new to the
team, which makes the Illini vulnerable to a regression. They
don’t have an experienced backup QB behind Houser, like they did
in past years with Art Sitkowski and John Paddock. There is
talent on the rebuilt offensive line including veteran Brandon
Henderson (starts in 19 of 26 games over the last two seasons),
but little experience playing together.
New faces
QB Katin Houser (transfer from East Carolina), C Jake Renfro
(transfer from Wisconsin), OT Chris Martin (transfer from
Colorado State), OT Maika Matelau (transfer from Mt. San Antonio
College, No.1-ranked junior college interior lineman), WR Jacob
Eberhart (recruit).
Key losses
QB Luke Altmyer (NFL), LB Gabe Jacas (NFL), TE Hank Beatty
(NFL), OT J.C. Davis (NFL), DB Miles Scott (NFL).
Biggest games for the Illini
At No. 1 Ohio State (Sept. 26), vs. No. 2 Oregon (Oct. 24), vs.
No. 22 Iowa (Nov. 21).
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