Illinois snagged three players out of the transfer portal this week, adding even more depth to the team in 2025-26. Head coach Bret Bielema continues to fill the holes in his roster left by players graduating and leaving the program.
Kicker/Punter Lucas Osada
At the University of North Carolina, Lucas Osada played in 11 games as a true freshman and made an immediate impact. Coming out of high school as the nation’s sixth-best kicker, he became the primary kickoff specialist for the Tar Heels last season. In Osada’s 59 kickoffs, he converted 39 for touchbacks, proving his solid leg strength.
Although Bielema already has his go-to kicker in junior David Olano, Osada is valuable to the kicking and punting unit this upcoming season. Illinois’ backup kicker last year, Ethan Moczulski, transferred from Illinois to Washington. Osada is primed to fill that backup roll for the Illini this upcoming year. The transfer will have opportunities to get on the field for kickoffs so Olano’s leg can stay fresh.
Defensive Lineman Carter Hewitt
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After spending the last four seasons at Northern Iowa, Carter Hewitt decided to hit the transfer portal and bring his talents to Champaign. In his junior year, the redshirt senior had 52 tackles with 4.5 for losses and three quarterback hits. Hewitt is now the fourth defensive lineman to sign with the Illini this offseason.
With little experience returning on the defensive line for the Illini, Hewitt will add depth in this area of the roster. Hewitt’s multiple years of college football experience is a great addition to defensive coordinator Aaron Henry’s lineup. Having someone who can guide the younger players will be an advantage in rebuilding the Illinois defense.
Offensive Tackle Nathan Knapik
Another pair of brothers are joining the Illini next season. Nathan Knapik is reuniting with his older brother Ayden Knapik. The Knapiks are one of many brother duos that Bielema has recruited over the years at Illinois.
Previously, the duo played together at Idaho for one year before both brothers entered the transfer portal. Ayden Knapik signed with Illinois in the winter and now his younger brother is following suit. Nathan Knapik didn’t see much field time at Idaho, but in the four games he played, he earned 23 snaps at left tackle.
In the long term, Nathan Knapik improves the Illini’s depth on the offensive line. The young transfer will be a piece that Bielema and his coaching staff can develop for years to come. Even without much on-field experience, the potential for Knapik to improve and become a consistent starter is there.
