What conference is Illinois in?

Illinois plays in the Big Ten, alongside Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, Washington and Wisconsin.

Has Illinois ever won a national championship?

Yes. Illinois claims 5 national championships.

What years did Illinois win the national championship?

Illinois claims national titles in 1914, 1919, 1923, 1927, 1951.

When did Illinois start playing football?

Illinois played its first season of football in 1892.

Who is the Illinois head coach in 2026?

Bret Bielema is the Illinois head coach for the 2026 season.

Where does Illinois play home games?

Illinois plays home games at Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL) in Champaign, IL.

Illinois Fighting Illini: Roster, Schedule, Stats & History

Last 15 games

8-7 in the last 15 · 26.7 scored · 27.7 allowed

Points scored, win Points scored, loss Points allowed

Data highlights

All-time record

643-634-49

.503 since 1892

Best season

8-0

1923

Bowl & playoff record

10-12

22 postseason games

Big Ten titles

3

Latest 2001

10-win seasons

5

Latest 2024

Winning seasons

67

of 134 completed

Next games

UPCOMING Sat, Oct 10, 2026 3:30 PM ET · FS1

Illinois 57% VS

Michigan State 43%

Game page

UPCOMING Sat, Oct 24, 2026 TBD · Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)

Oregon VS

Illinois

Game page

UPCOMING Sat, Oct 31, 2026 TBD · SECU Stadium

Illinois VS

Maryland

Game page

Roster

2

Carson BoydQB 4

Katin HouserQB 7

Michael Clayton IIQB 12

Dane EisenmengerQB 5

Ca'Lil ValentineRB 20

John ForsterRB

Head coach

Head coachBret Bielema

Head coach since2021

Record at Illinois39-29

Seasons6

Bowl trips3

Season stats

Points per game30.6 11th

Points allowed26.0 15th

Total yards per game404.8 10th

Yards per play6.7 7th

Rush yards per game155.6 9th

History and NFL Draft

1951 · 1951 national championship (claimed)

1927 · 1927 national championship (claimed)

NFL Draft history

Season

Earlier rosters 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Unit

Offense

58 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 offense roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
2	Carson Boyd	QB	6-0	190	FR	St. Louis, MO
4	Katin Houser	QB	6-3	225	SR	Anaheim, CA
7	Michael Clayton II	QB	6-4	210	FR	Orlando, FL
12	Dane Eisenmenger	QB	6-4	215	FR	Tolono, IL
5	Ca'Lil Valentine	RB	5-11	200	JR	Hayward, CA
20	John Forster	RB	5-10	195	FR	Montvale, NJ
21	Aidan Laughery	RB	5-11	200	SR	Gibson City, IL
22	Cedric Wyche II	RB	5-10	215	FR	Fort Lauderdale, FL
23	Jordan Anderson	RB	6-4	240	SR	Naperville, IL
24	Javari Barnett	RB	6-1	210	FR	Tampa, FL
25	Nelsyn Wheeler	RB	5-9	205	FR	Grand Island, NE
27	Corey Rashad	RB	5-8	185	JR	Chicago, IL
31	Murphy Clement	RB	6-0	215	SO	Martinsburg, WV
0	Nas Rankin	WR	6-0	170	FR	Chicago, IL
1	Jayshon Platt	WR	6-1	185	SR	North Port, FL
3	Kenyon Alston	WR	6-2	195	FR	Orlando, FL
6	Jershaun Newton	WR	6-0	215	FR	St. Petersburg, FL
8	Davon Grant	WR	6-4	220	FR	Dekalb, IL
9	Alex Perry	WR	6-5	210	SR	Port Charlotte, FL
10	Ty Robinson	WR	6-4	200	SR	Aurora, CO
11	Brayden Trimble	WR	6-1	190	FR	Decatur, IL
13	Hudson Clement	WR	6-1	215	SR	Martinsburg, WV
17	Collin Dixon	WR	6-1	215	JR	Tallmadge, OH
19	Nate Cichy	WR	6-1	190	FR	Mount Prospect, IL
28	Karson Kaiser	WR	6-1	170	SO	Weston, FL
80	Eddie Kasper	WR	5-10	165	SR	Burlington, WI
81	Leslie Mosley Jr.	WR	5-10	160	FR	Belle Glade, FL
82	Jacob Harvey	WR	6-0	190	FR	Mount Zion, IL
14	Maurice Smith Jr.	TE	6-4	245	SR	Fort Pierce, FL
16	Logan Farrell	TE	6-3	250	FR	Arlington Heights, IL
83	Kaden Feagin	TE	6-3	260	SR	Atwood, IL
84	Grant Smith	TE	6-5	230	FR	Forsyth, IL
85	Will Vala III	TE	6-3	240	FR	Downers Grove, IL
86	Christian Abney	TE	6-6	255	SR	Zionsville, IN
87	BJ Thurman	TE	6-4	225	SO	Berkeley, CA
88	Davin Stoffel	TE	6-6	260	JR	Mosinee, WI
89	Tanner Hollinger	TE	6-5	245	SO	Stromsburg, NE
51	Alfred Washington	OL	6-7	315	JR	Pensacola, FL
52	Champ Smith	OL	6-6	330	FR	Fort Pierce, FL
53	Kai Pritchard	OL	6-5	290	FR	Little Egg Harbor T, NJ
54	Griffin Rousseau	OL	6-7	325	FR	Stoughton, WI
55	TJ McMillen	OL	6-3	300	JR	Naperville, IL
56	JJ Hirdes	OL	6-6	295	FR	Coopersville, MI
57	Zach Barrett	OL	6-3	295	SO	Orland Park, IL
58	Landen Von Seggern	OL	6-4	280	FR	Omaha, NE
59	Jake Renfro	OL	6-4	320	SR	Mokena, IL
62	Casey Thomann	OL	6-8	325	FR	Olney, IL
65	Dezmond Schuster	OL	6-5	335	SR	Gonzales, LA
66	Brandon Hansen	OL	6-6	330	JR	Mundelein, IL
68	Michael McDonough	OL	6-3	310	FR	Tinley Park, IL
70	Maika Matelau	OL	6-3	300	SO	Upland, CA
71	Nathan Knapik	OL	6-7	300	SO	Kennewick, WA
72	Christian Martin	OL	6-7	300	JR	Saint Rose, LA
74	Zafir Stewart	OL	6-6	350	SO	Philadelphia, PA
75	Brandon Henderson	OL	6-5	335	SR	East Saint Louis, IL
76	Dylan Frechette	OL	6-6	345	FR	Central Falls, RI
78	Eddie Tuerk	OL	6-4	320	SO	La Grange, IL
79	TJ Taylor	OL	6-5	340	JR	Santa Clarita, CA

Defense

53 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 defense roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
15	Kingston Shaw	DL	6-3	250	FR	Apopka, FL
17	Isaiah Thomison	DL	6-3	285	JR	Fayetteville, TN
43	Joe Barna	DL	6-4	265	JR	Wheaton, IL
51	Parker Crim	DL	6-3	255	FR	Lima, OH
52	Pat Farrell	DL	6-5	285	JR	Oak Lawn, IL
54	Demetrius John	DL	6-3	290	SO	Columbus, OH
55	Tony Balanganayi	DL	6-4	285	FR	Palatine, IL
56	Guillermo Gallardo	DL	6-3	320	SR	Bloomington, IL
90	Carter Janki	DL	6-5	295	SR	Redding, CT
91	Cameron Brooks	DL	6-3	300	FR	Chicago, IL
92	Deon Williams	DL	6-2	270	SO	Las Vegas, NV
93	Ean Rhea	DL	6-2	235	SR	Glade Spring, VA
94	Connor Sullivan	DL	6-4	290	FR	Glenview, IL
95	Isaiah White	DL	6-2	335	FR	Indianapolis, IN
96	Darrell Prater	DL	6-3	305	SR	Fort Payne, AL
98	Joshua Davis	DL	6-3	275	SO	Mendenhall, MS
99	King Liggins	DL	6-3	295	FR	Crete, IL
4	Daniel Brown	LB	6-1	255	SR	Kansas City, KS
8	Cameron Thomas	LB	6-0	205	FR	Cincinnati, OH
10	James Kreutz	LB	6-2	235	SR	Bannockburn, IL
11	Jacob Alexander	LB	6-4	245	FR	Frankfort, IL
18	Mason Muragin	LB	6-4	250	JR	Macomb, MI
23	Jaylen Stewart	LB	6-2	235	FR	Houston, TX
24	Will Holmes	LB	6-4	255	JR	Detroit, MI
26	Ismael Kante	LB	6-2	235	SR	Brooklyn Park, MN
28	Kayden Bennett	LB	6-1	230	FR	Windsor, CT
30	Tony Williams	LB	5-11	225	FR	Jacksonville, FL
33	Grant Beerman	LB	6-5	235	SO	West Chester, OH
34	Erik Gayle	LB	6-3	230	FR	Cincinnati, OH
38	Jack Paris	LB	6-2	225	FR	River Forest, IL
45	Robert Edmonson	LB	6-2	230	JR	Houston, TX
48	Carter Smith	LB	6-3	240	SO	Rolling Meadows, IL
0	Mac Resetich	DB	6-0	210	SR	Spring Valley, IL
1	Xavier Scott	DB	5-11	195	SR	Riviera Beach, FL
2	RJ Jones III	DB	6-0	175	FR	Fort Pierce, FL
3	Nick Hankins Jr.	DB	6-0	200	FR	Belleville, IL
5	Jakwon Morris	DB	6-0	175	JR	Tupelo, MS
6	Juice Clarke	DB	6-1	180	SR	Fort Myers, FL
7	Matthew Bailey	DB	6-2	225	SR	Moline, IL
9	Lavon Williams	DB	5-10	190	SR	San Antonio, TX
12	Isaiah Williams	DB	6-2	200	FR	Houston, TX
13	Xanai Scott	DB	5-11	205	FR	Riviera Beach, FL
14	Andre Lovett Jr.	DB	6-1	190	SO	Blue Island, IL
16	Tanner Heckel	DB	5-11	195	JR	Lyndon, KS
19	Jacob Eberhart	DB	6-4	215	FR	St. Louis, MO
20	Almirian Thomas	DB	5-11	175	FR	Fort Myers, FL
21	Ben Clawson	DB	6-0	205	SR	Arlington Heights, IL
22	Deuce Fillmore	DB	5-11	185	SR	Biloxi, MS
25	Des Straughton	DB	6-0	210	FR	Detroit, MI
29	James Finley IV	DB	6-2	190	SO	Portage, IN
32	Tywan Cox	DB	5-10	185	FR	Miami, FL
35	Kaedyn Cobbs	DB	6-1	215	FR	Denton, TX
37	Caden Considine	DB	6-2	210	FR	Byron, IL

Special teams

6 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 special teams roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
27	Lucas Osada	PK	6-1	195	SO	Charlottesville, VA
37	Ethan Moczulski	PK	5-11	200	SR	Spokane, WA
18	Jack Gray	P	6-2	210	FR	Adelaide, SA
81	Lars Rau	P	6-3	205	SO	Novato, CA
44	Patrick Mahoney III	LS	6-2	215	JR	Northbrook, IL
49	Zach Haber	LS	5-10	220	JR	Durango, CO

Offense

56 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2025 offense roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
2	Carson Boyd	QB	6-0	190	FR	St. Louis, MO
5	Ethan Hampton	QB	6-3	220	SR	Elburn, IL
9	Luke Altmyer	QB	6-2	205	SR	Starkville, MS
10	Trey Petty	QB	6-0	200	SO	Starkville, MS
5	Ca'Lil Valentine	RB	5-11	200	JR	Hayward, CA
20	John Forster	RB	5-10	195	FR	Montvale, NJ
21	Aidan Laughery	RB	5-11	200	SR	Gibson City, IL
22	Cedric Wyche II	RB	5-10	215	FR	Fort Lauderdale, FL
22	Petey Olaleye	RB	5-7	205	SO	Frankfort, IL
23	Jordan Anderson	RB	6-4	240	SR	Naperville, IL
25	Aaron Ball	RB	5-11	205	SO	Chicago, IL
27	Corey Rashad	RB	5-8	185	JR	Chicago, IL
31	Murphy Clement	RB	6-0	215	SO	Martinsburg, WV
0	Justin Bowick	WR	6-5	209	SR	Atlanta, GA
1	Mario Sanders	WR	5-10	191	SR	Minneapolis, MN
2	Ashton Hollins	WR	6-5	200	SR	Mobile, AL
6	Jershaun Newton	WR	6-0	215	FR	St. Petersburg, FL
7	Alexander Capka-Jones	WR	6-4	190	SR	Oak Park, CA
11	Brayden Trimble	WR	6-1	190	FR	Decatur, IL
13	Hudson Clement	WR	6-1	215	SR	Martinsburg, WV
17	Collin Dixon	WR	6-1	215	JR	Tallmadge, OH
18	Michael Bartolotta	WR	6-2	215	SR	Orland Park, IL
28	Karson Kaiser	WR	6-1	170	SO	Weston, FL
80	Hank Beatty	WR	5-11	185	SR	Rochester, IL
87	Tyler McClure	WR	6-2	200	SR	Champaign, IL
88	Malik Elzy	WR	6-2	214	JR	Chicago, IL
14	Cole Rusk	TE	6-5	245	SR	Rock Island, IL
16	Logan Farrell	TE	6-3	250	FR	Arlington Heights, IL
33	Jake Furtney	TE	6-4	242	SO	St. Charles, IL
39	Trey Peters	TE	6-5	220	FR	Mahomet, IL
83	Kaden Feagin	TE	6-3	260	SR	Atwood, IL
84	Grant Smith	TE	6-5	230	FR	Forsyth, IL
85	Tanner Arkin	TE	6-4	265	SR	Fort Collins, CO
86	Christian Abney	TE	6-6	255	SR	Zionsville, IN
88	Davin Stoffel	TE	6-6	260	JR	Mosinee, WI
89	Clayton Leonard	TE	6-3	252	SR	Danforth, IL
89	Tanner Hollinger	TE	6-5	245	SO	Stromsburg, NE
54	Griffin Rousseau	OL	6-7	325	FR	Stoughton, WI
55	TJ McMillen	OL	6-3	300	JR	Naperville, IL
56	JJ Hirdes	OL	6-6	295	FR	Coopersville, MI
57	Zach Barrett	OL	6-3	295	SO	Orland Park, IL
58	Melvin Priestly	OL	6-4	315	SR	East Saint Louis, IL
63	Kellen Francis	OL	6-5	320	JR	Princeville, IL
64	Josh Kreutz	OL	6-2	290	SR	Bannockburn, IL
65	Dezmond Schuster	OL	6-5	335	SR	Gonzales, LA
66	Brandon Hansen	OL	6-6	330	JR	Mundelein, IL
68	Tyler McMillan	OL	6-5	325	SR	Detroit, MI
68	Michael McDonough	OL	6-3	310	FR	Tinley Park, IL
71	Nathan Knapik	OL	6-7	300	SO	Kennewick, WA
72	Ayden Knapik	OL	6-6	295	SR	Kennewick, WA
73	Josh Gesky	OL	6-5	325	SR	Manteno, IL
74	J.C. Davis	OL	6-5	320	SR	Oakland, CA
74	Zafir Stewart	OL	6-6	350	SO	Philadelphia, PA
75	Brandon Henderson	OL	6-5	335	SR	East Saint Louis, IL
76	Dylan Frechette	OL	6-6	345	FR	Central Falls, RI
78	Eddie Tuerk	OL	6-4	320	SO	La Grange, IL

Defense

56 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2025 defense roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
	Carter Hewitt	DL	6-5	290	SR	Jewell, IA
13	Tomiwa Durojaiye	DL	6-4	291	SR	Philadelphia, PA
43	Joe Barna	DL	6-4	265	JR	Wheaton, IL
45	Jeremiah Warren	DL	6-2	305	JR	Belleville, MI
52	Pat Farrell	DL	6-5	285	JR	Oak Lawn, IL
54	Demetrius John	DL	6-3	290	SO	Columbus, OH
56	Guillermo Gallardo	DL	6-3	320	SR	Bloomington, IL
90	James Thompson Jr.	DL	6-6	300	SR	Cincinnati, OH
91	Cameron Brooks	DL	6-3	300	FR	Chicago, IL
92	Gentle Hunt	DL	5-11	305	SR	High Springs, FL
92	Curt Neal	DL	6-0	310	SR	Cornelius, NC
93	Henry Engel	DL	6-2	295	SO	Lena, IL
95	Isaiah White	DL	6-2	335	FR	Indianapolis, IN
96	Eli Coenen	DL	6-6	287	JR	Baldwin, WI
49	Harrysson Ngassa	DE	6-4	210	SO	Chicago, IL
94	Angelo McCullom	DT	6-2	317	JR	Pickerington, OH
0	Jojo Hayden	LB	6-2	245	JR	East St. Louis, IL
3	Alec Bryant	LB	6-3	250	SR
4	Daniel Brown	LB	6-1	255	SR	Kansas City, KS
9	Leon Lowery Jr.	LB	6-3	245	SR	Elizabeth, NJ
10	James Kreutz	LB	6-2	235	SR	Bannockburn, IL
17	Gabe Jacas	LB	6-3	275	SR	Port Saint Lucie, FL
18	Mason Muragin	LB	6-4	250	JR	Macomb, MI
26	Ismael Kante	LB	6-2	235	SR	Brooklyn Park, MN
28	Dylan Rosiek	LB	6-1	235	SR	East Lake, FL
33	Grant Beerman	LB	6-5	235	SO	West Chester, OH
34	Erik Gayle	LB	6-3	230	FR	Cincinnati, OH
38	Jack Paris	LB	6-2	225	FR	River Forest, IL
39	Kenenna Odeluga	LB	6-1	235	SR	South Holland, IL
42	Luke Zardzin	LB	6-0	225	SR	Mount Prospect, IL
45	Malachi Hood	LB	6-2	228	SR	Plainfield, IL
47	Easton Baker	LB	6-0	200	FR	Stansbury Park, UT
48	Carter Smith	LB	6-3	240	SO	Rolling Meadows, IL
0	Mac Resetich	DB	6-0	210	SR	Spring Valley, IL
	Donovan Turner	DB	6-2	190	FR	Long Beach, CA
1	Xavier Scott	DB	5-11	195	SR	Riviera Beach, FL
2	RJ Jones III	DB	6-0	175	FR	Fort Pierce, FL
5	Torrie Cox Jr.	DB	5-9	170	SR	Miami Gardens, FL
6	Juice Clarke	DB	6-1	180	SR	Fort Myers, FL
7	Matthew Bailey	DB	6-2	225	SR	Moline, IL
10	Miles Scott	DB	5-11	210	SR	Dolton, IL
13	Tysean Griffin	DB	5-10	175	SR	Chicago, IL
13	Xanai Scott	DB	5-11	205	FR	Riviera Beach, FL
14	Andre Lovett Jr.	DB	6-1	190	SO	Blue Island, IL
16	Tanner Heckel	DB	5-11	195	JR	Lyndon, KS
19	Tyson Rooks	DB	6-4	215	SR	Saint Simons Island, GA
20	Tyler Strain	DB	5-9	195	SR	Fort Worth, TX
21	Ben Clawson	DB	6-0	205	SR	Arlington Heights, IL
25	Des Straughton	DB	6-0	210	FR	Detroit, MI
26	Amar Reynolds	DB	6-0	190	JR	Fort Pierce, FL
29	TJ Griffin	DB	6-0	220	JR	Hickory Hills, IL
32	Tywan Cox	DB	5-10	185	FR	Miami, FL
35	Grayson Griffin	DB	5-11	200	SR	Aurora, IL
7	Kaleb Patterson	CB	6-1	192	SR	Jackson, MS
24	Saboor Karriem	S	6-3	210	SR	Newark, NJ
25	Vernon Woodward III	S	6-1	200	FR	DeLand, FL

Special teams

6 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2025 special teams roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
24	David Olano	PK	5-11	177	SR	Naperville, IL
27	Lucas Osada	PK	6-1	195	SO	Charlottesville, VA
40	Keelan Crimmins	P	6-3	225	SR	Melbourne, VIC
81	Lars Rau	P	6-3	205	SO	Novato, CA
36	Lane Hansen	LS	6-0	215	SR	East Lake, FL
44	Patrick Mahoney III	LS	6-2	215	JR	Northbrook, IL

Offense

59 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2024 offense roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
6	Cal Swanson	QB	6-3	210	JR	Ardmore, OK
9	Luke Altmyer	QB	6-2	205	SR	Starkville, MS
10	Donovan Leary	QB	6-2	215	JR	Sicklerville, NJ
10	Trey Petty	QB	6-0	200	SO	Starkville, MS
11	Jacob Huber	QB	6-1	200	JR	Spring Grove, IL
12	Kirkland Michaux	QB	6-4	225	JR	Austin, TX
2	Josh McCray	RB	6-1	235	SR	Enterprise, AL
5	Ca'Lil Valentine	RB	5-11	200	JR	Hayward, CA
21	Aidan Laughery	RB	5-11	200	SR	Gibson City, IL
22	Petey Olaleye	RB	5-7	205	SO	Frankfort, IL
23	Jordan Anderson	RB	6-4	240	SR	Naperville, IL
25	Aaron Ball	RB	5-11	205	SO	Chicago, IL
27	Corey Rashad	RB	5-8	185	JR	Chicago, IL
1	Mario Sanders	WR	5-10	191	SR	Minneapolis, MN
2	Ashton Hollins	WR	6-5	200	SR	Mobile, AL
4	Zakhari Franklin	WR	6-1	190	SR	Cedar Hill, TX
7	Kenari Wilcher	WR	6-0	185	SO	Clewiston, FL
7	Weston Adams	WR	5-11	192	SR	Shell, WY
7	Alexander Capka-Jones	WR	6-4	190	SR	Oak Park, CA
13	Pat Bryant	WR	6-3	200	SR	Jacksonville, FL
17	Collin Dixon	WR	6-1	215	JR	Tallmadge, OH
18	Michael Bartolotta	WR	6-2	215	SR	Orland Park, IL
18	Carlos Orr-Gillespie	WR	6-1	185	SO	Etowah, TN
18	Blayne Sisson	WR	6-2	190	SO	Mount Carmel, IL
20	Morrison Giggetts	WR	5-8	180	FR	Chicago, IL
80	Hank Beatty	WR	5-11	185	SR	Rochester, IL
87	Tyler McClure	WR	6-2	200	SR	Champaign, IL
88	Malik Elzy	WR	6-2	214	JR	Chicago, IL
7	Nick True	TE	6-5	240	SR	Carpentersville, IL
14	Cole Rusk	TE	6-5	245	SR	Rock Island, IL
33	Jake Furtney	TE	6-4	242	SO	St. Charles, IL
82	Nate Guinn	TE	6-6	240	FR	Vero Beach, FL
83	Kaden Feagin	TE	6-3	260	SR	Atwood, IL
84	Carson Goda	TE	6-2	235	SR	Bradenton, FL
85	Tanner Arkin	TE	6-4	265	SR	Fort Collins, CO
87	Henry Boyer	TE	6-6	270	SR	Chicago, IL
88	Jake Petrow	TE	6-3	210	JR	Chicago, IL
89	Clayton Leonard	TE	6-3	252	SR	Danforth, IL
89	Tanner Hollinger	TE	6-5	245	SO	Stromsburg, NE
53	Devin Hale	OL	6-0	300	JR	Springfield, IL
55	TJ McMillen	OL	6-3	300	JR	Naperville, IL
56	Magnus Moller	OL	6-9	310	SO	Vaerlose
57	Zach Barrett	OL	6-3	295	SO	Orland Park, IL
58	Melvin Priestly	OL	6-4	315	SR	East Saint Louis, IL
60	Joep Engbers	OL	6-4	305	JR	Oak Park, IL
62	Sam Tsagalis	OL	6-2	285	SO	Arlington Heights, IL
63	Kellen Francis	OL	6-5	320	JR	Princeville, IL
64	Josh Kreutz	OL	6-2	290	SR	Bannockburn, IL
65	Dezmond Schuster	OL	6-5	335	SR	Gonzales, LA
66	Brandon Hansen	OL	6-6	330	JR	Mundelein, IL
70	Zach Aamland	OL	6-7	300	SR	South Brunswick, NJ
72	Zylon Crisler	OL	6-7	340	SR	Perkinston, MS
73	Josh Gesky	OL	6-5	325	SR	Manteno, IL
74	J.C. Davis	OL	6-5	320	SR	Oakland, CA
74	Zafir Stewart	OL	6-6	350	SO	Philadelphia, PA
75	Brandon Henderson	OL	6-5	335	SR	East Saint Louis, IL
77	Hunter Whitenack	OL	6-6	340	SR	New Carlisle, IN
78	Kevin Wigenton II	OL	6-5	335	SR	Colts Neck, NJ
78	Eddie Tuerk	OL	6-4	320	SO	La Grange, IL

Defense

52 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2024 defense roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
6	Dennis Briggs Jr.	DL	6-4	290	SR	Kissimmee, FL
23	TeRah Edwards	DL	6-2	315	SR	Groveport, OH
43	Joe Barna	DL	6-4	265	JR	Wheaton, IL
45	Jeremiah Warren	DL	6-2	305	JR	Belleville, MI
52	Pat Farrell	DL	6-5	285	JR	Oak Lawn, IL
54	Demetrius John	DL	6-3	290	SO	Columbus, OH
56	Guillermo Gallardo	DL	6-3	320	SR	Bloomington, IL
62	Enyce Sledge	DL	6-3	320	SR	Monroe, LA
92	Gentle Hunt	DL	5-11	305	SR	High Springs, FL
93	Henry Engel	DL	6-2	295	SO	Lena, IL
98	Steven Scott III	DL	6-5	285	SO	Milwaukee, WI
49	Harrysson Ngassa	DE	6-4	210	SO	Chicago, IL
91	Alex Bray	DE	6-4	265	SR	Chesterfield, MO
94	Angelo McCullom	DT	6-2	317	JR	Pickerington, OH
0	Jojo Hayden	LB	6-2	245	JR	East St. Louis, IL
3	Alec Bryant	LB	6-3	250	SR
4	Daniel Brown	LB	6-1	255	SR	Kansas City, KS
9	Seth Coleman	LB	6-5	245	SR	Melbourne, FL
10	James Kreutz	LB	6-2	235	SR	Bannockburn, IL
15	Ronan Poynton	LB	6-1	235	SR	Solon, IA
17	Gabe Jacas	LB	6-3	275	SR	Port Saint Lucie, FL
18	Mason Muragin	LB	6-4	250	JR	Macomb, MI
28	Dylan Rosiek	LB	6-1	235	SR	East Lake, FL
33	Ezekiel Holmes	LB	6-5	255	SR	Wichita Falls, TX
34	Ryan Meed	LB	6-1	230	SR	Brooklyn, NY
39	Kenenna Odeluga	LB	6-1	235	SR	South Holland, IL
42	Luke Zardzin	LB	6-0	225	SR	Mount Prospect, IL
45	Malachi Hood	LB	6-2	228	SR	Plainfield, IL
47	Easton Baker	LB	6-0	200	FR	Stansbury Park, UT
48	Carter Smith	LB	6-3	240	SO	Rolling Meadows, IL
0	Mac Resetich	DB	6-0	210	SR	Spring Valley, IL
1	Xavier Scott	DB	5-11	195	SR	Riviera Beach, FL
3	Demetrius Hill	DB	6-2	205	SR	Miami, FL
5	Torrie Cox Jr.	DB	5-9	170	SR	Miami Gardens, FL
6	Juice Clarke	DB	6-1	180	SR	Fort Myers, FL
7	Matthew Bailey	DB	6-2	225	SR	Moline, IL
8	Terrance Brooks	DB	6-0	210	JR	Little Elm, TX
10	Miles Scott	DB	5-11	210	SR	Dolton, IL
13	Tysean Griffin	DB	5-10	175	SR	Chicago, IL
16	Tanner Heckel	DB	5-11	195	JR	Lyndon, KS
19	Tyson Rooks	DB	6-4	215	SR	Saint Simons Island, GA
20	Tyler Strain	DB	5-9	195	SR	Fort Worth, TX
21	Ben Clawson	DB	6-0	205	SR	Arlington Heights, IL
26	Amar Reynolds	DB	6-0	190	JR	Fort Pierce, FL
29	TJ Griffin	DB	6-0	220	JR	Hickory Hills, IL
32	CJ Bufkin	DB	5-11	200	SR	Chicago, IL
35	Grayson Griffin	DB	5-11	200	SR	Aurora, IL
37	Sage Luther	DB	5-10	195	SR	Austin, TX
5	Chase Canada	CB	5-11	187	SR	Hahnville, LA
7	Kaleb Patterson	CB	6-1	192	SR	Jackson, MS
24	Saboor Karriem	S	6-3	210	SR	Newark, NJ
25	Vernon Woodward III	S	6-1	200	FR	DeLand, FL

Special teams

7 players

Illinois Fighting Illini 2024 special teams roster
No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	Class	Hometown
24	David Olano	PK	5-11	177	SR	Naperville, IL
37	Ethan Moczulski	PK	5-11	200	SR	Spokane, WA
80	Fabrizio Pinton	PK	6-3	231	SR	The Woodlands, TX
18	Declan Duley	P	6-2	220	JR	El Paso, IL
19	Hugh Robertson	P	6-2	225	JR	Castlecrag, NSW
36	Lane Hansen	LS	6-0	215	SR	East Lake, FL
44	Patrick Mahoney III	LS	6-2	215	JR	Northbrook, IL

Rosters from CollegeFootballData, by season. Pick a year above.

Recent results

2026-10-03 FINAL L

2026-09-26 FINAL L

2026-09-19 FINAL W

2026-09-12 FINAL L

2026-09-03 FINAL W

2025-12-30 FINAL W

2025-11-29 FINAL W

2025-11-22 FINAL L

2025-11-15 FINAL W

2025-11-01 FINAL W

2025-10-25 FINAL L

2025-10-11 FINAL L

The latest 12 games. Every season: Illinois record by year.

Head coach Bret Bielema Head coach of Illinois since 2021. View profile 39-29Since 2021 6Seasons 3Bowl trips

Points per game

30.6

11th in the Big Ten

Points allowed

26.0

15th in the Big Ten

Total yards per game

404.8

10th in the Big Ten

Yards per play

6.7

7th in the Big Ten

Rush yards per game

155.6

9th in the Big Ten

Pass yards per game

249.2

8th in the Big Ten

First downs per game

22.4

9th in the Big Ten

Third-down rate

45.5%

8th in the Big Ten

Turnover margin

-1

12th in the Big Ten

Takeaways

2

17th in the Big Ten

Sacks

3

18th in the Big Ten

Sacks allowed

6

5th in the Big Ten

Penalty yards per game

43.4

4th in the Big Ten

Time of possession

27:26

18th in the Big Ten

Team statistics

2026 season

Illinois team statistics vs opponents, 2026 season
Statistic	Illinois	Opponents
Scoring
Points per game	30.6	26.0
Total points	153	130
Downs
Total 1st downs	112	107
3rd down efficiency	25-55 (45%)	28-66 (42%)
4th down efficiency	4-10 (40%)	8-12 (67%)
Passing
Comp - Att	102-157	100-158
Net passing yards	1,246	1,275
Net yards per pass attempt	7.9	8.1
Net passing yards per game	249.2	255.0
Passing touchdowns	11	10
Interceptions thrown	3	2
Sacks taken	6	3
Rushing
Rushing attempts	146	175
Rushing yards	778	634
Yards per rush	5.3	3.6
Rushing yards per game	155.6	126.8
Rushing touchdowns	6	5
Offense
Total offensive plays	309	336
Total yards	2,024	1,909
Yards per game	404.8	381.8
Defense
Sacks	3	6
Tackles for loss	19	15
Interceptions	2	3
Returns
Kickoff returns - yards	4-76	4-69
Average kickoff return	19.0	17.3
Punt returns - yards	4-98	2-19
Average punt return	24.5	9.5
Penalties
Total - yards	23-217	39-338
Penalty yards per game	43.4	67.6
Miscellaneous
Fumbles lost	0	0
Turnover ratio	-1	+1

2026 season totals to date from CollegeFootballData. Opponents = what this defense allowed. Passing yards are net of sacks. Kicking and punting are not in the feed, so those rows are omitted.

Season by season

Record

2-3

Conference

15th in Big Ten

Points for / against

30.6 / 26.0

Postseason

In progress

Illinois Fighting Illini recent seasons
Season	Record	PPG	PA	Finish
2026	2-3	30.6	26.0	15th in Big Ten
2025	9-4	29.4	23.6	8th in Big Ten
2024	10-3	28.3	21.7	5th in Big Ten
2023	5-7	24.5	29.4	11th in Big Ten
2022	8-5	24.2	12.8	5th in Big Ten
2021	5-7	20.2	21.9	10th in Big Ten
2020	2-6	20.1	34.9	14th in Big Ten
2019	6-7	26.7	26.2	9th in Big Ten
2018	4-8	26.0	39.4	13th in Big Ten
2017	2-10	15.4	31.5	14th in Big Ten
2016	3-9	19.7	31.9	11th in Big Ten
2015	5-7	22.7	23.3	11th in Big Ten
2014	6-7	25.9	34.0	10th in Big Ten
2013	4-8	29.7	35.4	11th in Big Ten
2012	2-10	16.7	32.1	12th in Big Ten
2011	7-6	22.6	19.6	8th in Big Ten
2010	7-6	32.5	23.5	5th in Big Ten
2009	3-9	24.2	30.2	11th in Big Ten

All Illinois seasons

Top players

QB Katin Houser Passing yards1,246In conference#6 of 18

RB Aidan Laughery Rushing yards321In conference#8 of 18

WR Collin Dixon Receiving yards546In conference#3 of 18

LB Will Holmes Sacks1In conference#18 of 18

Illinois player stats

2026 season

Passing yards

Katin Houser QB

1,246

Rushing yards

Aidan Laughery RB

321

Receiving yards

Collin Dixon WR

546

Tackles

Matthew Bailey DB

37

Sacks

Will Holmes LB

1

Interceptions

Matthew Bailey DB

1

Passing

Illinois passing - 2026 season
Name	GP	CMP	ATT	CMP%	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	TD	INT	RTG
Katin HouserQB	5	102	155	65.8	1246	8.0	249.2	11	3	152.9
Total	5	102	155	65.8	1246	8.0	249.2	11	3	152.9

Rushing

Illinois rushing - 2026 season
Name	GP	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	YDS/G
Aidan LaugheryRB	5	45	321	7.1	1	64.2
Ca'Lil ValentineRB	5	50	225	4.5	1	45.0
Katin HouserQB	5	25	106	4.2	1	21.2
Javari BarnettRB	2	10	54	5.4	1	27.0
Jordan AndersonRB	4	12	49	4.1	2	12.3
Collin DixonWR	5	1	15	15.0	0	3.0
Carson BoydQB	1	1	8	8.0	0	8.0
Jershaun NewtonWR	1	1	1	1.0	0	1.0
Total	5	145	779	5.4	6	155.8

Receiving

Illinois receiving - 2026 season
Name	GP	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	YDS/G
Collin DixonWR	5	40	546	13.7	8	109.2
Hudson ClementWR	5	21	299	14.2	0	59.8
Ty RobinsonWR	5	11	159	14.5	3	31.8
Brayden TrimbleWR	5	15	116	7.7	0	23.2
Ca'Lil ValentineRB	5	3	46	15.3	0	9.2
Davin StoffelTE	3	3	38	12.7	0	12.7
Aidan LaugheryRB	5	4	20	5.0	0	4.0
Christian AbneyTE	3	3	13	4.3	0	4.3
Kaden FeaginTE	2	2	9	4.5	0	4.5
Total	5	102	1246	12.2	11	249.2

Defense

Illinois defense - 2026 season
Name	GP	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	TFL	PD	INT	YDS	TD
Matthew BaileyDB	5	23	14	37	0	1	1	1	88	1
Ismael KanteLB	5	14	15	29	0	2.5	0	1	59	1
Juice ClarkeDB	5	15	9	24	0	0	5	0	0	0
Mac ResetichDB	5	20	2	22	0	0	2	0	0	0
James KreutzLB	5	7	12	19	0	1.5	1	0	0	0
Xavier ScottDB	5	9	7	16	0	0.5	3	0	0	0
Joe BarnaDL	5	3	12	15	0.5	2.5	0	0	0	0
Will HolmesLB	5	3	10	13	1	2	0	0	0	0
Tywan CoxDB	4	10	2	12	0	0	1	0	0	0
Darrell PraterDL	4	6	5	11	0.5	1	0	0	0	0
Carter JankiDL	5	3	7	10	0	0.5	1	0	0	0
Grant BeermanLB	5	5	5	10	0	1	1	0	0	0
Ean RheaDL	5	6	4	10	1	2	0	0	0	0
Pat FarrellDL	4	5	4	9	0	0	1	0	0	0
Tanner HeckelDB	4	5	3	8	0	2	1	0	0	0
Jakwon MorrisDB	4	5	3	8	0	0	1	0	0	0
Mason MuraginLB	3	1	6	7	0	0	0	0	0	0
Demetrius JohnDL	5	4	3	7	0	0	0	0	0	0
Robert EdmonsonLB	4	5	2	7	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jack ParisLB	2	6	1	7	0	0.5	0	0	0	0
Cameron ThomasLB	4	3	2	5	0	1	0	0	0	0
Deuce FillmoreDB	2	4	1	5	0	0	0	0	0	0
Nick Hankins Jr.DB	2	3	1	4	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ben ClawsonDB	2	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
Daniel BrownLB	1	1	1	2	0	0.5	0	0	0	0
Kayden BennettLB	2	1	1	2	0	0	1	0	0	0
Kaden FeaginTE	2	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Collin DixonWR	5	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Isaiah ThomisonDL	1	0	1	1	0	0.5	0	0	0	0
Xanai ScottDB	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Almirian ThomasDB	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Des StraughtonDB	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Joshua DavisDL	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	5	174	134	308	3	19	19	2	147	2

2026 season totals to date from CollegeFootballData via the CFB Data Hub. RTG is the NCAA passer efficiency rating. Columns the source does not carry are omitted.

Who gets the ball: share of plays, 2026 season

The share of Illinois's offensive plays on which each player threw the ball, ran it or was targeted. College programs do not publish snap counts; this is the closest public measure. Snap counts explained

Illinois Fighting Illini share of plays by player
Player	Pos	All plays	Pass plays	Run plays	3rd down
Katin Houser	QB	58.3%	100.0%	13.6%	63.8%
Collin Dixon	WR	17.3%	32.7%	0.7%	12.1%
Ca'Lil Valentine	RB	17.0%	2.5%	35.0%	8.6%
Aidan Laughery	RB	16.7%	4.3%	32.1%	13.8%
Hudson Clement	WR	10.9%	21.0%	0.0%	6.9%
Brayden Trimble	WR	8.0%	15.4%	0.0%	12.1%
Javari Barnett	RB	6.8%	0.0%	16.1%	3.8%
Jordan Anderson	RB	5.0%	0.0%	11.1%	4.3%
Ty Robinson	WR	4.2%	8.0%	0.0%	1.7%
Kaden Feagin	TE	3.5%	6.5%	0.0%	7.9%
Davin Stoffel	TE	1.9%	3.4%	0.0%	5.8%
Carson Boyd	QB	1.7%	0.0%	3.8%	9.1%
Christian Abney	TE	1.5%	2.8%	0.0%	0.0%
Jershaun Newton	WR	1.4%	0.0%	3.3%	6.7%

Pass plays and run plays: the share of those plays that went through the player. Source: CollegeFootballData via our data hub.

National championships

19511951 national championship (claimed)

19271927 national championship (claimed)

19231923 national championship (claimed)

19191919 national championship (claimed)

19141914 national championship (claimed)

Full history vault

Skill profile

The whole team by skill, squad and coaching, with the rank of the offense, defense, special teams and staff

Team overall

83

steady wk

Rank

10 / 18

1 = best

Squad

84

players only

Coaching

78

Bret Bielema

2026 skill breakdown

Offense

88

9th of 18

Defense

84

16th of 18

Special teams

60

17th of 18

Coaching

78

9th of 18

The number is the average skill rating of the projected starters (position-normalized, elite tops near 96). The bar shows the unit's rank among all rated teams, green for the top 10, red for the bottom 10.

Who drives the rating

Offense88 · 9th

Collin Dixon WR 95

Katin Houser QB 93

Alex Perry WR 88

Hudson Clement WR 88

Aidan Laughery RB 86

Defense84 · 16th

Will Holmes LB 85

Ismael Kante LB 85

James Kreutz LB 81

Special teams60 · 17th

Lars Rau P 60

Team skill = a weighted blend of squad ratings (offense, defense, special teams) and the head-coach rating, from the same skill engine behind every player and coach page. Updated weekly. Source: computed from CollegeFootballData stats.

Betting trends

Against the spread, over/under and situational records from real closing lines and final scores

ATS record

2-3

.400 cover

Over / Under

4-1

4 overs

Straight up

2-3

.400 win

Season

2026

5 games

Situational ATS (2026)

Illinois Fighting Illini against the spread by situation, 2026
Situation	ATS	Cover %	O/U	SU
Home	1-3	.250	3-1	2-2
Away	1-0	1.000	1-0	0-1
As favorite	1-3	.250	3-1	2-2
As underdog	1-0	1.000	1-0	0-1
Conference games	1-1	.500	1-1	0-2
Primetime	0-1	.000	1-0	1-0
Outdoors	2-3	.400	4-1	2-3

By season

Illinois Fighting Illini ATS by season
Season	Games	ATS	Cover %	O/U	SU
2026	5	2-3	.400	4-1	2-3
2025	13	8-4-1	.667	5-8	9-4
2024	13	9-4	.692	5-8	10-3

Records from real closing spreads, totals and final scores (CollegeFootballData). ATS excludes pushes. Betting content is for entertainment only, 21+. See current lines on the odds board.

Strength of schedule

Opponents by win total, week by week, with remaining-schedule difficulty

Avg opponent wins, 2025

6.8

Conference rank

10 / 18

1 = hardest

Played

6.8

Remaining

6.7

2026 weekly schedule

4

H · 1

9

H · 2

7

H · 3

12

A · 4

2

H · 5

4

A · 6

BYEWk 7

13

H · 8

4

A · 9

7

H · 10

3

A · 11

9

H · 12

7

A · 13

BYEWk 14

BYEWk 15

Tougher than average Easier than average · number = opponent's win total

Illinois 2026 opponents

Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 opponents by win total
Wk	Opponent	Site	Opp wins	Status
1	UAB	vs	4	Played
2	Duke	vs	9	Played
3	Southern Illinois	vs	7	Played
4	Ohio State	@	12	Played
5	Purdue	vs	2	Played
6	Michigan State	@	4	Upcoming
8	Oregon	vs	13	Upcoming
9	Maryland	@	4	Upcoming
10	Nebraska	vs	7	Upcoming
11	UCLA	@	3	Upcoming
12	Iowa	vs	9	Upcoming
13	Northwestern	@	7	Upcoming

Opponent strength = each opponent's win total in 2025, its last full season (records-based, no betting win totals are used). Schedule and records from CollegeFootballData. See the full conference strength-of-schedule ranking.

Illinois

Last 15 games

Data highlights

Offense

Defense

Special teams

Offense

Defense

Special teams

Offense

Defense

Special teams

Recent results

Upcoming

Team statistics

Season by season

Top players

Illinois player stats

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Defense

Who gets the ball: share of plays, 2026 season

National championships

Skill profile

2026 skill breakdown

Who drives the rating

Betting trends

Situational ATS (2026)

By season

Strength of schedule

2026 weekly schedule

Illinois 2026 opponents

Illinois in the news

One conference, in your inbox every Tuesday.

Frequently asked questions

Illinois

Last 15 games

Data highlights

Offense

Defense

Special teams

Offense

Defense

Special teams

Offense

Defense

Special teams

Recent results

Upcoming

Team statistics

Season by season

Top players

Illinois player stats

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Defense

Who gets the ball: share of plays, 2026 season

National championships

Skill profile

2026 skill breakdown

Who drives the rating

Betting trends

Situational ATS (2026)

By season

Strength of schedule

2026 weekly schedule

Illinois 2026 opponents

Big Ten programs

Illinois history & records

Illinois in the news

One conference, in your inbox every Tuesday.

Frequently asked questions