⚡ CFB Dashboard

CHAMPAIGN – Bret Bielema called this offseason one of "transition" for the Illinois football team, and the Illini will look to build on back-to-back nine-plus win seasons with a new-look team. The biggest change is with new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, the former Montana head coach who replaced former coordinator Aaron Henry (Notre Dame DB coach, co-defensive coordinator). Illinois will run a 3-3-5 scheme designed to be more aggressive after the defense became far too passive in recent years. The good news? Illinois returns a secondary that includes Xavier Scott, Matthew Bailey and Juice Clarke, providing a lift on a new defense. Offensively, the Illini have a new quarterback, ECU transfer Katin Houser, and must replace four starters on the offensive line. But the Illini return two of their top three receivers, Hudson Clement and Collin Dixon, the top two running backs, Ca'Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery, and are in the fifth year under coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. With spring ball wrapped up, Illini Inquirer breaks down all the movement and the roster with its offseason superlatives.