Much has been made of the raft of returning starters for No. 12 Illinois football — and rightfully so.
Returning quarterback Luke Altmyer will be protected by five returning offensive linemen, who also will protect a veteran 1-2 backfield punch of running backs. The Illini defensive backfield also returns to Champaign intact.
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But what about the new faces for coach Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini? Here are seven players who are projected to be new starters in 2025, across four position groups.
Wide receivers
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New starters: Hudson Clement (West Virginia transfer) and Malik Elzy (reserve).
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What to know: Technically, Clement is truly the only new face here, coming into Champaign via the transfer portal from West Virginia. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder is expected to make an immediate impact for Altmyer and the passing offense, which lost elite talent Pat Bryant and Isaiah Williams to the NFL. Elzy had just four catches last year, so expect him to also take a leap forward.
Defensive line
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New starters: James Thompson Jr. (Wisconsin transfer), Curt Neal (Wisconsin transfer) and Tomiwa Durojaiye (Florida State transfer).
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What to know: The only completely overhauled group for the Illini is their defensive line, rebuilt via the transfer portal. Thompson, coming off an injury season, started 18 games the previous two with 52 tackles, 12 for loss, and five sacks. Neal started 12 games for the Badgers in 2024, leading all defensive linemen with 29 tackles. Durojaiye played 13 games of the last two seasons at FSU and West Virginia.
Linebacker
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New starter: Leon Lowery (Wisconsin transfer)
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What to know: The 6-foot-3 transfer had 29 tackles (18 solo), one for loss, and one sack for the Badgers, who were raided by Illinois with three defenders new in Champaign. Lowery joins a deep and experience linebacking crew led by returning starters Gabe Jacas, Dylan Rosiek and Kenenna Odeluga.
Punter
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New starter: Keelan Crimmins (Purdue transfer)
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What to know: The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Australian out of Purdue was honorable mention all-Big Ten, averaging 44.9 yards for his 64 punts — 13th nationally last season and the second-best in Boilermakers history. He had 17 punts inside the 20-yard line and 14 of 50-plus yards. Bielema called him one of the best punters in college football.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois football depth chart update: Projecting key new starters
