Beatty’s efforts earn him Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week

The wide receiver’s 133 punt return yards broke a 102-year-old Illinois record

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Sep 1, 2025

Senior Wide Reciever and Punt Returner Hank Beatty returns a Western Illinois punt for 69 yards, breaking Red Grange’s 102 year-old record.

After his record-breaking night, senior wide receiver Hank Beatty was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. The Illinois native racked up 133 yards on four punt returns in Friday night’s win over Western Illinois (0-1).

Beatty’s 69-yard punt return touchdown was the play of the night. He ran untouched for nearly 60 yards before running through multiple Leatherneck defenders to score. The punt return touchdown, the first for Illinois (1-0) since 2013, opened up a 38-0 lead.

“We really wanted one last year, and we didn’t get it done,” Beatty said after the win. “So we were all really anticipating that one this year.”

Perhaps the most impressive feat of the night, Beatty’s efforts broke Illinois’ 102-year-old record of punt return yards in a single game. The record was held by Illinois legend, Red Grange. Beatty’s record-breaking night earned him the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award.

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About the Contributors

Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter

Hello, I’m Ben! I am a junior and a Senior Sports Reporter. I’m majoring in journalism and minoring in advertising and recreation, sport and tourism. I started at The Daily Illini in the spring of 2024 as a Sports writer. I covered women’s golf in the fall of 2024 and women’s basketball this spring. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching sports and playing golf. Feel free to reach out to my email below with any questions or comments.

Matt Stepp, Visual Director

Hey there! I’m Matt, and I’m a junior majoring in graphic design with a minor in media. I joined The Daily Illini in Fall 2023 as a staff photographer, and now I am continuing my role as the Visual Director. I’ve always had a passion for photography — you’ll probably spot me around campus capturing sports, other events or anything that catches my eye. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m likely poolside working as a lifeguard at the ARC or CRCE.