From Jacksonville, Florida, to Champaign, Illinois, and now declaring himself for the 2025 NFL draft, senior wide receiver Pat Bryant is a star. His success is undeniable, but this year in particular has been nothing short of record-breaking for him.
Rising star
Bryant has been an Illini throughout his entire collegiate career. He created a name for himself in his very first year when Bryant became the 14th wide receiver in program history to start in three or more games as a true freshman.
While he only scored two touchdowns in his second year on the team, Bryant still made elite plays. He ranked No. 16 in the Big Ten rankings and No. 2 on the team overall with 453 receiving yards.
During his junior season, Bryant began to make program history. With seven touchdowns in 2023, he tied No. 9 for the single-season touchdown receptions that year.
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“It feels amazing,” Bryant said. “Just coming from my freshman year, just doing whatever I could to be on the field and help the team win and just becoming the team captain and leading my team to a lot of victories and having a very special season.”
After the last home game of the season, Bryant reminisced on how he started his career with a passion to help the team in any manner. His early drive was a clear indicator of the success he would have with Illinois. Though strong every year, he especially showcased his athleticism during his final season as an Illini.
Legacy at Memorial Stadium
“I’ve never really been a person that really looks in the future,” Bryant said. “I was having thoughts like, ‘I’ve been putting on the show the whole year, why not go out there and have an amazing game?’ This whole week, I’ve been practicing and soaking it all in and realizing that, you know, it comes to an end.”
Bryant’s momentum skyrocketed his entire senior season, and he even made Memorial Stadium history on Nov. 16. His 57-yard touchdown reception earned him the honor of the most single season and total receiving touchdowns for stadium history. Another piece of Illinois history that Bryant secured was finishing tied for the single-season lead for touchdown receptions.
He also earned his fair share of conference honors this season. Bryant’s 10 receiving touchdowns earned him a tie for the lead in the Big Ten. His 984 receiving yards put him at No. 2 and led to his All-Big Ten Second Team selections for the coaches and media polls.
Bryant also earned a national honor, setting himself apart from tons of talent in the NCAA. He was the only player to have three game-winning touchdowns in the last two minutes or overtime this season.
Oh captain, my captain
Another title Bryant can add to his resume is team captain, one that he is very passionate about.
“I came into the locker room just telling the boys we got to pick this up,” Bryant said. “There was no reason that they should have been that close in the game with us. I felt like we came in just a little too confident; it hit us in the mouth a little bit.”
Following a close game with Purdue, Bryant knew he had to fire up his team and get them back on the right track. After the game, Bryant shed light on how his halftime pep talk helped boost the team to victory. With that, he mentioned how the final seconds of that game were a rollercoaster of emotions.
“I didn’t even watch the last overtime play,” Bryant said. “I was looking at the canon, and I was like, ‘I’m going to fall to my knees, or I’m going to haul butt over here to grab this cannon.’ Once I saw the crowd cheering, I just took off and ran to the cannon.”
Leaving a legacy is what Bryant hoped to do for this team. Bryant’s status as a captain who broke records ties back to who he is at his core.
“I feel like I got a great heart,” Bryant said. “I’m a great person, and I just like to go out there and fight with the guys that I work with. You hope you leave a long-lasting legacy, not only on the field but in the locker room, so guys can understand what it takes to have success in the game.”
What’s next for No. 13?
Despite playing a crucial role in the team’s success this season, Bryant may not be an Illini next year.
While the regular season is over and the Illini will go to a bowl game, Bryant has instead declared himself for the 2025 NFL draft and opted out of the postseason. His decision includes the Illini’s upcoming bowl game and his invitation to the Senior Bowl.
This decision will undoubtedly impact the Illini as they prepare to continue their season without their star receiver.
As the rest of the team prepares for the postseason, Bryant will spend his time training to hear his name called in April for the NFL draft. Bryant is one of the prospects hoping to join the growing list of Illini competing at the next level.
