Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Defensive Lineman Angelo McCullom

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2025 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of Illini sophomore defensive lineman Angelo McCullom. We will add more as other on-field contributors emerge during the season. Find our scouting reports of other Illinois players by searching in your favorite browser or clicking in our projected depth chart – coming soon.

Angelo McCullom | Defensive lineman | Sophomore | No. 44

Hometown: Pickerington, OhioHigh School: Pickerin gton NorthHeight: 6-foot-2Weight: 300 pounds

Scouting report

McCullom is a relatively sleek, 6-foot-2, 300-pound nose tackle whose game is built on explosiveness and leverage at the point of attack. He shows flashes of being a disruptive interior presence, using his hands and a strong lower body to shed blocks and clog running lanes. He has experience playing on the edge as well, showcasing a quick first step to get to the quarterback.

In addition to his defensive role, McCullom brings versatility by contributing on special teams, where his size and athleticism allow him to impact the game in different ways. He plays with a high motor and a physical edge, and although he is still developing consistency, the tools are there for him to become a reliable interior disruptor. His flashes of dominance suggest that, with refinement, he could grow into a difference-making player up front.

Experience

McCullom saw action in seven games as a freshman for the Illini last season, earning rotational snaps and special teams reps. He made the most of his opportunities, recording a tackle and half a sack against Central Michigan while flashing his potential as an interior disruptor. Most importantly, he has put on 40 pounds since high school, building the base and power foundation he will need to compete as an interior defensive lineman in the Big Ten.

A three-star recruit out of Pickerington, Ohio (per 247Sports), McCullom made his high school varsity debut as a 13-year-old freshman and quickly developed into one of the state’s top defensive linemen. He wrapped up his high school playing career with an impressive list of honors, including OCC Ohio Defensive Player of the Year, Division I Central Ohio District Defensive Player of the Year and Pickerington’s Team MVP honors.

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