Illini Football 2026

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#501      
lstewart53x3
mhuml32 said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/2092280919281258696


It's not just a pre-cautionary rest for week 1.
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mad little girl GIF
 
#503      
Birdus
IlliniWu said:
Kind of leaning Clarke if he continues to progress. He looks like he has added more strength when I was watching the training camp preview and I don't think people talk enough about how he basically shut down maybe the best WR in CFB last year.

Scott offers versatility and should be a lock to go round 3-4 or higher assuming he stays healthy. His playmaking ability at NICKEL raises his stock but he is a good CB when lined up outside as well.

Bailey I believe is going to possibly be the most decorated in college as this defense could make him a household name this season. He's a real enforcer. If a team like Seattle who has a similar type of scheme drafts him he'll continue to play that CHIEF type of role. Otherwise I think he'll more than likely project at LB in the pros which raises his stock even more IMO.

For right now I'll say Clarke with all going in the 3-5 round range at the moment. Lots of potential to move up for all three though.

If Clarke shuts down Smith again and some of these other elite B1G WR you'll see him rise big time. It kind of puts me in the mind of Spoon because you could see it coming when he was clamping up future NFL WR in Jarrett from Maryland, etc. the previous year. That type of rise is almost unheard in terms of obscurity but I could see Clarke making a big jump with progression. Interested to see Morris and how he fits in. There's good buzz and I liked the tape a lot.

However, I think Hankins Jr. is the best NFL prospect at DB (And one of the top overall on the team). I could see him on freshman AA teams this year and possibly a B1G team (HM, etc.).
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I like this but Clarke did NOT shut down Smith. He did have a very good game though. I like Clarke a lot and can see him going pretty high in next years draft. Hopefully our guys can stay healthy.
 
#507      
fuddrules
IlliniWu said:
Looks like Trimble's going into a starting spot. Also interested to see how wealthy Rankin and Eberhart are in the opener as they could see reps.
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Trimble for sure. Last year the staff and beat reporters were hootin and hollerin how he was taking Illini football by storm. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Don't discount Newton. He has more familiarity with the offense and has been at WR since summer. He made some plays on Saturday.
 
#518      
the juiceman cometh
mhuml32 said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/2092280919281258696


It's not just a pre-cautionary rest for week 1.
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I wonder if this is the type of thing that will finally push college sports to accept a employee/collective bargained for situation. Pro teams routinely buy insurance on player contracts that pays them back a chunk of the player salary if they miss a significant amount of time to injury. Because NIL and revenue share aren't direct compensation for playing, college programs can't really do that. With NIL numbers rising and medical redshirts gone, some program is inevitably going to spend a ton of money on like a senior transfer QB and then lose him for the season, and thereby lose their entire investment.
 
#525      
Joel Goodson
just want to thank the scheduling Gods for giving us a favorable schedule. beyond OSU and Oregon, no powerhouse rushing attacks. very fortuitous timing
 
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