10 Illini to follow in Orlando… and in 2025 | Content

Most of Illinois’ roster, a group that currently features plenty of sophomores and juniors, may return in 2025. Here are 10 you could see star in Orlando against South Carolina and then again next fall in Champaign, courtesy from writer Scott Richey:

1. Luke Altmyer, quarterback

A more confident and comfortable Altmyer put together an impressive season. He was efficient (21 touchdowns against only five interceptions) and came out ahead in crunch time (three game-winning touchdown passes in the last 2 minutes or overtime). Altmyer won’t be a Heisman favorite next fall, but if he leads the Illini to a 10th victory in Orlando, his name will be mentioned.

2. Gabe Jacas, outside linebacker

The deadline to declare for the 2025 NFL draft is January 6, so Jacas’ return is not entirely certain. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound running back has been attracting the attention of scouts since 2022. A bounce-back year this fall (Jacas ranked in the top 25 nationally in sacks and forced fumbles) was positive, but his stock Would really escalate if he stayed and showed more of the same next fall.

3. Xavier Scott, nickel back

Scott is in the same boat as Jacas in that he can strike while the iron is hot, and is for the veteran defensive back after earning first-team All-Big Ten honors, and declaring for the upcoming NFL draft. . However, if he returns for his senior season in 2025, he could earn a promotion to at least Quan Martin’s draft territory (if not higher) if that level of success is repeated.

4. Matthew Bailey, Security

Staying healthy during the 2024 season was the biggest hurdle Bailey had to overcome after missing virtually all of the previous year. The 6-2, 215-pound strong safety didn’t have as many flashy plays as he did as a true freshman in 2022 with three interceptions, but the Moline native was as reliable as any Illini defender as a sophomore with red t-shirt

5. Malachi Hood, linebacker

Dylan Rosiek’s season-ending leg injury opened the door for Hood to take on a larger role late in the regular season. What the Joliet Catholic product brings to the field in terms of speed and length is what Illinois was missing at the linebacker position. Hood showed those traits in the regular season finale with two sacks and two forced fumbles against Northwestern.

6. Miles Scott, Security

Scott still looked like a wide receiver playing safety during the 2023 season after making that position change in the spring. This fall? The 5-11, 210-pound former player looked and played the role of a defensive back. Scott added two more interceptions to his career tally this fall and still has potential for even more growth in the secondary in a third season at safety.

7. Jaheim Clarke, cornerback

Illinois hasn’t rushed Clarke into a lead role on defense. The 6-1 cornerback from Fort Myers, Florida, played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2023, but his snaps came almost exclusively as a gunner on special teams. More snaps at cornerback came gradually this season, and Clarke began the regular season finale where he had a career-high 12 tackles.

8. Collin Dixon, wide receiver

Dixon redshirted the 2023 season when Illinois relied almost exclusively on Isaiah Williams, Casey Washington and Pat Bryant at wide receiver. With Bryant being the only one of those three to return this fall, Dixon had a path onto the field where he made plays in the passing game and as a blocker. A role that will only grow when the Illini lose Bryant and Zakhari Franklin in 2025.

9. Ca’Lil Valentine, running back

Illinois has no shortage of options at running back. In fact, Bret Bielema feels comfortable enough that he hasn’t even considered potential trades. Valentine’s speed and elusiveness make him unique among the group of returning running backs, something the Illini could exploit more in 2025 as long as he improves his pass-blocking skills to help keep Altmyer on his feet.

10. Malik Elzy, wide receiver

Elzy was Illinois’ top-rated recruit in the class of 2023, but has seen limited action the past two seasons stuck behind other wide receivers. The Chicago native has eight receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns in 18 games over two seasons. If there is going to be a chance for a great season, it would be in 2025 when he would be among the most experienced options.