⚡ CFB Dashboard

Illinois moved Jershaun Newton from quarterback to receiver in June after Alex Perry's likely season-ending shoulder nerve issue thinned an already inexperienced position group.

Freshman King Liggins has gained roughly 15 pounds to reach 300 and is competing with Carter Janki for backup nose-tackle snaps behind presumed starter Darrell Prater in the new one-gap 3-3-5.

Freshmen Javari Barnett and Nelsyn Wheeler appear to have passed John Forster and Cedric Wyche in the running-back rotation, although Ca'Lil Valentine, Aidan Laughery and Jordan Anderson remain the clear top three.

Early enrollee Will Vala has emerged as Illinois' clear fourth tight end behind Christian Abney, Kaden Feagin and Davin Stoffel and could earn limited freshman snaps if the offense again uses four players at the position.

Josh Lorick is practicing in full pads while Illinois awaits an eligibility ruling tied to the fifth-season court injunction, with the program expecting clarity within roughly a week.