Illinois football heads into earnest bowl prep and an offseason full of uncertainty.
After 17 regular-season wins in two years, Illinois could be staring down the barrel of a “step back” season in 2026.
The roster is losing star players at the three most important positions on the field: quarterback Luke Altmyer, left tackle JC Davis, and edge rusher Gabe Jacas.
And while the Illini defense was consistently maligned, the offense scored nearly 30 points per game, keeping the Illini in some games in which the defense faltered.
Luke Altmyer has left a permanent mark on the program. As a quarterback, Altmyer ranks as one of the best in program history. His three years as Illinois’ starter led to nearly unprecedented program success. His emotional goodbye to the program he helped rebuild comes in SEC country, much like Luke himself.
So how can Illinois avoid an offensive letdown next season? Let’s start under center.
The long-term future looks bright. But the short run is cloudy with a chance of failure.
The future looks bright with the recent verbal commitment of Utah star signal caller Kamden Lopati. Getting his pledge early in the process was a massive coup for Art Sitkowski and Barry Lunney Jr.
Clearly, Lopati is a massive talent. More importantly, he is completely committed to the Illini. He is not considering any other schools.
Oh. Well, channeling my inner Peralta from Brooklyn Nine-Nine…
Cool. Cool, Cool, Cool, Cool, Cool.
The SEC has entered the chat.
All kidding aside, Art’s a different animal. I have more confidence in him keeping this commitment intact than I’ve had with previous assistants.
The primary options to start at quarterback in 2026 are NIU transfer Ethan Hampton and current true freshman Carson Boyd.
Hampton has starting experience, but doesn’t bring the physical profile and prospect pedigree of four-star studs like Brandon Peters, Tommy Devito, and Altmyer. He would be a clear stopgap and would limit the Illini’s ceiling for next year.
Boyd is an intriguing prospect. What he lacks in elite measurables, he makes up for with a high skill level and toughness. The Cardinal Ritter product. As with all young quarterbacks, there are questions of readiness and maturity. So in a best-case scenario, he won’t be thrust into the starting lineup before he is ready.
So that means it’s time for the Illini to hit the portal.
With head coach Bret Bielema openly saying that he was in the northeast visiting Ivy League prospects, could this gentleman be a possibility?
Craig is a highly productive player. With one year of eligibility, he could be an excellent bridge quarterback.
The Montclair, NJ product will be earning his Economics degree from Harvard.
(Queue Illini fans saying, “I’m not sure if Illinois admissions will clear him.)
(Queue me saying, “With an undergrad Econ degree, you may be thinking of getting an MBA from the Gies College of Business. And that would be a great call. But have you considered the graduate options in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences? I’m not biased or anything.)
Illinois will be involved in multiple recruitments for quarterback prospects in the portal. But Craig’s blend of starting experience, productivity, and NFL potential is an excellent fit for a team that has offensive skill personnel positioned to win.
With the likely returns of receivers like Justin Bowick, Hudson Clement, Collin DIxon, Brayden Trimble, and Ashton Hollins, whoever the Illini pursue could be walking into a well-stocked arsenal.
Add to that the experienced backfield of Ca’Lil Valentine, Aidan Laughery, and Kaden Feagin, and Illinois looks to have the guts of a productive offense.
(Queue my guy Brandt Dolce being excited for Kaden and Jaden in the same backfield.)
There are plenty of questions about the offensive line. Four starters are departing, and the one returning starter (Brandon Henderson) may be more of a swing player than a defined starter next season. During bowl prep, the Illini should get better looks at prospects like Ayden and Nathan Knapik, Zafir Stewart, and 2025 rotation players Brandon Hansen and TJ McMillen.
Signing Jaden Craig is no guarantee. He has a bevy of Power Four offers. And the quarterback market this offseason is going to be off the hinges. Stars like Josh Hoover, Brendan Sorsby, DJ Lagway, and Sam Leavitt are all seeking new homes for 2026. And while the coaching carousel is spinning (just like the sanity in the Brown Jug this Friday night), the quarterback market is picking up momentum.
Thankfully for the Illini, the plentiful options could prevent a down year in 2026.
