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Podcast: Ep. 1209 - Position Preview: Illini DBs and special teams
- Matthew Bailey's health is the central variable in Illinois' linebacker outlook, with a full 12-game season projected to put him above 100 tackles.
- Cody Case is expected to return punts while remaining part of the receiver room.
- Illinois has practiced its punters as holders, with Eddie Casper also considered for the holding role.
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Podcast: Ep. 1210 - J Leman's 2026 Illinois football season preview
- Illinois pairs an experienced defense with largely new special teams, creating a risk that poor field position forces the defense to protect short fields.
- Short fields would reduce the space Illinois has to create negative plays and let opponents use less aggressive, run-heavy offense, making hidden yardage a potential source of game volatility.
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- Injury: @Illini_Guys : #Illini Football 2026 Preseason Camp Practice Report No.
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- Game breakdown: 2026 Position Primer: #illini special teams preview Three big questions for 2026 2025 in review In the spotlight Must step up Newcomer to watch X-factor Don't overlook Realistic expectations
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