Illinois’ old X-Factor is heading to Nashville.
Wide receiver and return specialist Hank Beatty is going to get his shot in the NFL, as he signs an undrafted free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Beatty played four seasons at Illinois, ending his career as one of the best return men in program history.
During his junior season, he led the Big Ten and ranked fourth nationally with 14.1 yards per punt return. His 310 punt return yards earned him the No. 2 spot in Illinois single-season recordbooks.
In 2025, Beatty’s senior year, he emerged as an all-around weapon for the Illini.
He finished the season with 70 receptions for 864 yards and three touchdowns. He also broke the Illinois record for single-game punt return yards, as he ended up with 133 yards against Western Illinois.
The Illini coaching staff leaned into Beatty’s versatility all season long, using him as a receiver and giving him carries out of the backfield, while allowing him to maintain his punt return prowess. In fact, he was the only player in the country to record a passing, rushing, receiving and punt return touchdown.
Former Illini have fared well in the NFL as returners as of late, with Isaiah Williams blossoming into a special teams star with the Jets last season, returning two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns and being named a Pro Bowl alternate.
Now, it’s Beatty’s turn, as his skill as a special-teamer is something that the Titans are almost certainly looking to take advantage of.
And he will get the chance to prove himself soon enough, with summer camp and OTAs rapidly approaching.
