Big Ten · 2026

Illinois

2025 record 9–4 5–4 conference
Postseason Music City Bowl W 30–28 vs Tennessee
Head coach Bret Bielema
Scheme Spread / Multiple 3-3-6
Conference
B−

Houser + 9–4 baseline and Music City win keep Illinois in the upper-middle; market 7.5 under lean and long title odds cap the ceiling

Portal
C

Portal #11; solid but not a top-board haul

Depth
C+

The depth chart fills two-deeps; QB transition keeps cohesion risk real

Market odds

To Win Big Ten
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 7.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #7 57 commits · 252.74 pts
Portal #11 19 commits· avg 85.68

Roster notes

Leading story

Katin Houser (East Carolina) is listed QB1 over Carson Boyd after Luke Altmyer’s exit

Offense

RB Ca'Lil Valentine; WR Collin Dixon / Jayshon Platt / Hudson Clement; TE Christian Abney. OL: Christian Martin / Maika Matelau / Jake Renfro / Brandon Henderson / Nathan Knapik

Defense

Defense is Multiple 3-3-6: Joe Barna / Darrell Prater / Carter Janki; Daniel Brown / Grant Beerman / James Kreutz; Jakwon Morris / Matthew Bailey / Mac Resetich / Juice Clarke / Xavier Scott

Key offense

  1. 01
    Katin Houser QB
    Portal
    • East Carolina → Illinois
    • 2025 (incl. bowl) ECU: 269/408, 3,300 yds, 19 TD, 6 INT
    • 193 rush yds / 9 TD
  2. 02
    Jayshon Platt WR
    Portal
    • 2025: 46 receptions, 720 yds, 5 TD
    • 3 carries, 36 yds, 1 rushing TD
  3. 03
    Ca'Lil Valentine RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 131 carries, 614 yds, 4 rushing TD
    • 10 receptions, 55 yds

Key defense

  1. 01
    Matthew Bailey S
    Returning
    • 2025: 76 tackles, 2 PD
  2. 02
    Carter Janki DT
    Portal
    • 2025: 42 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 PD
  3. 03
    Juice Clarke CB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 30 tackles, 7 PD in 9 G