Although the college football offseason has just begun, No. 20 Illinois (10-3) has returned to work. It’s secured two commitments in the first two days and is still hungry for more. Plenty of recruiting and offseason work awaits a program that isn’t satisfied after its first 10-win season since 2001.
Portal window
The Illini already have seven transfers this offseason and might not need many more. The roster had among the fewest players in college football without any more eligibility, making their accomplishments even more impressive.
While several will return, Illinois still has needs; there are no guarantees that everyone with eligibility will return. Senior offensive tackle J.C. Davis, junior defensive back Xavier Scott and junior outside linebacker Gabe Jacas all have important decisions to make. The NFL looms in reach after fantastic seasons, but remaining eligibility, NIL and a chance to raise their draft stock could bring each back to Champaign.
If they return, Illinois is poised to be just as good as this year’s Cheez-it Citrus Bowl-winning squad. However, there are still a few needs the coaching staff must address, which will happen in the second transfer portal window.
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Since they won’t need much, the Illini can be picky. Players from College Football Playoff teams will join the portal in the next period, adding even more talented players. The Illini thrived last year, obtaining late commits from CFP junior cornerback Terrance Brooks and then senior wide receiver Zakhari Franklin.
More size and athleticism in the offensive line room could benefit Illinois. It has added some big guys in recent years, and continuing that trend will help them compete with the top programs. This, and wide receivers, are not huge needs after Illinois gained a commitment from redshirt sophomore wide receiver Hudson Clement.
They may not be big needs, but any additions now would solidify these position groups and help Illinois return to the top of the Big Ten. One position group Illinois could still attack is linebacker. Especially if Jacas leaves, Illinois will lose 18 of 31 sacks last season. An experienced rusher in the portal could elevate the roster and take pressure off the secondary.
Spring practice
Early enrollees, players taking on new roles and transfers already on campus will have an opportunity to build chemistry in spring practices. Players get more time off than coaches, but this period is crucial to learn the playbook and get an idea of where guys are at.
Most spring practices go through March and end with a spring game. Throughout this season, Illinois coaches acknowledged that seeing players perform in the spring helped them understand what they could provide later in the season, highlighting the importance of early preparation.
Recruiting
The transfer portal isn’t the only area that Illinois needs to recruit this offseason. New life surrounds the program following a 10-win season with only one loss to an unranked opponent. Recruits have already responded to the momentum, with defensive edge Kingston Shaw’s commitment.
The program development was on full display this season, as guys like senior wide receiver Pat Bryant and junior running back Josh McCray were star players after not even being ranked in the top 1,000 recruits out of high school.
The high school recruiting period opens on Jan. 6, and all attention is on Illinois. It won’t be a long break before it gears up for one of the most exciting offseasons in program history.
@benfader7
