While students were home enjoying a well-deserved summer break, Illini coaches worked hard on the recruiting trail. Several programs bolstered their rosters over the summer, trying to continue the winning culture established on campus last year. Seven teams made notable additions, starting with the fall sports.
Soccer
The season is already underway, and Illinois soccer added a big contributor to the 2024 campaign. Fifth-year forward Lindsey DuSatko arrived in Champaign this summer after four years with Valparaiso. She started all 21 games in 2023, on her way to MVC All-Conference Third Team, and an NCAA tournament bid.
Football
The offense was already the stronger unit for the Illini, but adding senior wide receiver Zakhari Franklin only solidifies the group. After four years at UTSA, where he became familiar with Illini offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., he leads all current NCAA players in receiving yards and touchdowns. This adds another weapon to a strong receiving core for junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, who looks to rebound from a rough first year in Champaign.
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Men’s gymnastics
Graduate transfer Sam Phillips will stay in the Big Ten for the 2024 season, coming to Champaign from Nebraska. Phillips earned multiple All-America honors for his high bar and all-around performances at the NCAA championships. His veteran status will help the Illini immediately, as he comes from one Big Ten champion and competes to bring another to the Illini.
Women’s gymnastics
The women added two high school recruits to begin the summer, both with impressive resumes. Freshman Ashlyn Doyle hails from Michigan and was a national qualifier three times during high school. After taking the vault state championship in 2024, the Grand Rapids gymnast pledged her commitment to the Illini. Freshman Marly Esteves from Arizona had an even more accomplished 2024, taking two runner-up finishes in the vault and floor routines at her state championship competition. Both had successful high school careers and will make for a competitive incoming class.
Basketball
As the top transfers came and went, head coach Brad Underwood still found himself missing a major piece to the roster. Assistant Orlando Antigua delivered, luring the No. 9 overall player in the 2025 class (per 247Sports) to the Illini. Six-foot-8 Will Riley then reclassified to 2024, where he remained a five-star. Riley gives the Illini size they desperately needed while bringing elite scoring that has him as a top 20 projected pick in Bleacher Report’s “Way Too Soon” 2025 NBA mock draft.
Women’s track & field
Fifth-year Kristine Blazevica headlines a strong class. The Texas transfer finished third in the heptathlon at the NCAA championships last year and also excels in the pentathlon. She will look to lead the Illini in both events during her final collegiate season. Freshman recruit JaiCieonna Gero-Holt was a star-studded high schooler, who will make an impact in year one. Gero-Holt earned a No. 1 ranking for the heptathlon and high jump as a recruit, giving the Illini another elite athlete.
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