Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Tight End Cole Rusk

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 senior tight end Cole Rusk. 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.

Cole Rusk | Tight end | Senior | No. 14

Hometown: Rock Island, IllinoisHigh school: Rock IslandTransfer schools: Eastern Michigan, Murray StateHeight: 6-foot-5Weight: 250 pounds

Scouting report

Rusk brings plus receiving ability to the tight end position, giving Illinois a dynamic weapon in the passing game. At 6-foot-5, with strong hands and a wide catch radius, he can win against most defenders on every route from quick outs to vertical double moves. His reliability in contested situations makes him a trusted target for quarterback Luke Altmyer, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. Rusk’s polished route-running and natural feel for creating separation set him apart.

Beyond his receiving skills, Rusk adds real value as a run blocker. His size and athleticism allow him to hold up in-line, while his mobility gives him the versatility to pull across the formation or pick off back-seven defenders downfield. With his combination of athleticism and toughness, Rusk is a well-rounded tight end who should immediately elevate the Illini’s offense.

Experience

Rusk began his college career at Eastern Michigan before transferring to Murray State, where he quickly established himself as one of the top tight ends at the FCS level. In 2023, he delivered a breakout season for the Racers, earning FCS All-America third-team honors. His production and versatility drew the attention of Power 5 programs, leading him to transfer to Illinois ahead of the 2024 season.

Unfortunately, a knee injury suffered during fall camp sidelined Rusk for the entire 2024 campaign, preventing him from making his Illini debut. He had been named to the John Mackey Award watch list before the injury, a testament to his potential – and maybe a haarbinger of things to come in 2025.

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