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After medical retirement, Ayden Knapik takes on coaching role with Illini: 'It was tough to step away'
- Nathan Knapik is slated to start at right tackle after spending his first Illinois season developing physically following his transfer from Idaho.
- Illinois lost potential 2026 left-tackle option Ayden Knapik to medical retirement after persistent knee trouble and the prospect of a fourth surgery with a 12-month recovery.
- Ayden Knapik now assists Bart Miller and Byron Bell with an Illinois offensive line that has talent but limited Big Ten experience, focusing especially on its nine freshmen and sophomores.
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- OL: #illini sophomore Carson Boyd taking snaps from backup center TJ McMillen, so he seems like the backup.
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- OL/LB: The #illini will have a new left tackle, Christian Martin, and a right tackle, Nathan Knapik, this season.
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