Joel Klatt Reveals Program Most Likely to Make First College Football Playoff Appearance

A big reason for Illinois’ optimism is quarterback Luke Altmyer. The Ole Miss Rebels transfer had a breakout campaign last fall, throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns. His familiarity with Bielema’s system, combined with a fully intact offensive line, has Klatt bullish.

"We've seen what returning production, returning experience does, in particular at the quarterback position," Klatt noted. "The entire offensive line is back. The question is at wide receiver. [Illinois] has to replace their top two receivers from last year: Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin."

To help with that, Illinois added West Virginia Mountaineers transfer wide receiver Hudson Clement, along with his brother, running back Murphy Clement, through the portal.

On defense, the Illini return key playmakers like linebacker Kenenna Odeluga and safety Matthew Bailey, part of a unit that finished in the top 35 nationally in scoring defense last year. Illinois also added several transfer players to its defensive line, including James Thompson Jr. (Wisconsin), Curt Neal (Wisconsin), Tomiwa Durojaiye (Florida State) and Carter Hewitt (Northern Iowa).

The expanded 12-team playoff format gives programs like Illinois a real shot, and Klatt sees a perfect storm brewing in Champaign.

If Bielema can keep the momentum rolling and Altmyer takes another leap, the Illini might not just contend in the Big Ten. They might crash the playoff party for the first time in school history.