Texas cornerback Terrance Brooks heads to Big Ten to boost 2025 NFL Draft stock

Texas cornerback Terrance Brooks is heading to Illinois to play for Bret Bielema's Fighting Illini in 2024. The All-Big 12 star joins the Big Ten looking to follow in the footsteps of recent Illinois defensive backs Devon Weatherspoon, Jartavius Martin, and Sydney Brown as NFL draft picks. Brooks has two years of eligibility remaining.

Former Texas CB Terrance Brooks Transfers to Illinois

Once a 5-star recruit, Brooks was a surprising transfer portal entrant after playing in 13 games for the Longhorns in 2023. Somewhat prone to allowing big plays down the field, Brooks was still set to be the veteran star of the unit this fall. The 6-foot, 200-pounder opted for Illinois over USC and Michigan.

Brooks wasn't the only corner to bolt from Texas, leaving the secondary in a concerning spot. Although the Longhorns added safety Andrew Mukuba from Clemson, Jahdae Barron is the only truly proven player in the rotation entering the fall. Combined with the NFL defects that led the defense last year, the Longhorns' defense is in for a transition season.

The Illini are getting a playmaker in Brooks. Only a junior, he has 29 tackles, nine pass breakups, and three interceptions in 16 starts. There's no question he would've played at Texas, so his transfer must be about his personal development and hope to be selected in the NFL draft.

Considering Illinois' defense ranked 96th in points allowed last year and only forced seven interceptions, Brooks will stand out as an upgrade. The Big Ten has considerable receiving talent across the league, so he has a huge opportunity to become a riser in the 2025 class.

The Illini have not had a winning season since 2012. In 2023, they finished with a record of 5-7. Even though they have a less difficult schedule this year, it poses challenges since they compete in the lower division of the Big Ten. 

This year, their home games include Kansas, Michigan, Purdue, Minnesota, and Michigan State. Meanwhile, they will play away games against Oregon, Penn State, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Northwestern. The games against Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State are expected to be tough matches that could eliminate them from playoff contention.