CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - Illinois football will need guys to step up on the defensive line in 2026.
The Illini saw a flood of departures after the 2025 season, via both graduation and the transfer portal. Gabe Jacas, arguably Illinois' best player on defense in 2025, graduated, and was drafted by the New England Patriots. James Thompson and Leon Lowery, both tied for second on the team in sacks on the year, graduated as well. Tomiwa Durojaiye also contributed up front for Illinois, and he transferred to South Carolina.
Illinois lost young talent to the portal in Angelo McCullum and Eli Coenen, too.
Who could make noise in opposing backfields in 2026?
Illini head coach Bret Bielema offered up three potential starters when talking with reporters at Big Ten Football Media Days in late July. He says Joe Barna, Pat Farrell and Darrell Prater are likely to see lots of snaps in 2026.
#Football #england
The Illini saw a flood of departures after the 2025 season, via both graduation and the transfer portal. Gabe Jacas, arguably Illinois' best player on defense in 2025, graduated, and was drafted by the New England Patriots. James Thompson and Leon Lowery, both tied for second on the team in sacks on the year, graduated as well. Tomiwa Durojaiye also contributed up front for Illinois, and he transferred to South Carolina.
Illinois lost young talent to the portal in Angelo McCullum and Eli Coenen, too.
Who could make noise in opposing backfields in 2026?
Illini head coach Bret Bielema offered up three potential starters when talking with reporters at Big Ten Football Media Days in late July. He says Joe Barna, Pat Farrell and Darrell Prater are likely to see lots of snaps in 2026.
#Football #england
18 days ago
