Illinois Offense Preview 2025: The Fighting Illini Are Loaded

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2025 Illinois Preview 
Illinois Defense Breakdown
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season 

- Luke Altmyer is back for a third season, throwing 35 touchdown passes after transferring over from Ole Miss in 2023. He runs just well enough to be a positive, but his fifth-year senior leadership will be the biggest positive. Ethan Hampton (Northern Illinois) is a capable backup who can move.

- The offense might be loaded with veterans, but it's losing the combination of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. Those two led the way with 109 catches, and now it's up to Malik Elzy to rise up on the outside, and Collin Dixon and Hank Beatty to step up in the slot. Hudson Clement (West Virginia) and Justin Bowick (Ball State) are deep play threats.

The tight ends aren't stars, but they can bring the pop. Tanner Arkin caught 16 passes with three scores last year.

- Leading rusher Josh McCray took off for Georgia, but the Illinois running backs are good if they can stay in one piece. Aidan Laughery was second on the team with 589 yards and four scores, Kaden Feagin is a 250-pound load, and there's just enough depth to be okay.

- The line is loaded with experience, and now it has to be far stronger. It was decent for the ground game, but the pass protection needs tweaking. JC Davis is an All-Big Ten left tackle, and Melvin Priestly has a world of upside on the other side, if he doesn't kick inside to guard.

Center Josh Kreutz should be an all-star, and guards Josh Gesky and Brandon Henderson are massive 325+ pound blasters. 

Illinois Defense Breakdown
2025 Illinois Preview 
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season