Since the 2026 schedule was released, there were several significant Big Ten games circled on the Oregon Ducks' calendar. As always, the USC Trojans and Washington Huskies were among those. The trip to play the Ohio State Buckeyes was certainly one of them.
But after dropping two games within the first six weeks of the season, winning every game moving forward has become vital for Oregon's College Football Playoff hopes. Next up are the Illinois Fighting Illini, who are not walkover — even with their starting quarterback, Katin Houser sidelined with injury.
In his place, dynamic freshman Michael Clayton II will take over surrounded by a talented group of skill players and a solid offensive line. The defense is no slouch either, with a pair of stars
at the linebacker and safety positions leading the way. The game being in Champaign, IL, makes it that much more difficult for the Ducks to come away with a victory in Week 8.
Before kickoff at noon PT, here are the five Fighting Illini players that Ducks fans should know as Oregon fights for its season on Saturday.
QB Michael Clayton II
Clayton is a bit of a wildcard. A three-star recruit in the 2026 class, he won the backup job as a true freshman and was pressed into action in a tight game against Michigan State two weeks ago. Operating late in the fourth quarter and in overtime, the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder completed six-of-eight passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns, including one in overtime. The Orlando native stood tall in the pocket and showed off his strong arm, while also showing an ability to use his legs when needed. Making his first career start against the Ducks, how Clayton's full skillset translates to the college level will be revealed.
RB Aidan Laughery
One part of Illinois' backfield alongside Ca'Lil Valentine, Aidan Laughery has emerged as the RB1 in carrying the ball 62 times for 391 yards and one touchdown in 2026. A fifth-year senior who's spent his entire career at Illinois, Laughery has been a contributing factor in the backfield ever since his junior season. Standing 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, the Illinois native isn't the most dynamic, though he's a consistant chain-mover who the Fighting Illini rely on heavily especially in recent weeks with 40 carries in the last three games.
WR Collin Dixon
Collin Dixon is undoubtedly the top player on the team as he's in the midst of a breakout senior campaign. He amassed 548 yards and five touchdowns last season but has already surpassed those marks midway through 2026, totaling 47 catches, 608 yards and nine touchdowns. Not the biggest at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Dixon makes up for it with his savvy route-running on the outside ability to make tough catches at the point of attack. He's the head of the snake of this Illinois offense.
LB Ismael Kante
A Division-II and eventual Junior College transfer, Ismael Kante arrived in Champaign ahead of the 2025 season. He made little impact in his first season, totaling just eight tackles but, like Dixon, is experiencing a senior season breakout. After his eight-tackle effort against Michigan State, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker is up to 37 tackles, the second-highest mark on the team. He also has an interception that he returned 59 yards for a touchdown, showcasing his impressive instincts.
S Matthew Bailey
The leader of the Fighting Illini defense, Matthew Bailey bypassed the 2026 NFL Draft for one more go of it in at Illinois. Though he's listed as a safety, Bailey is built like a smaller linebacker, standing 6-foot-2 and weighting 225 pounds — and he plays like it, never showing fear in contributing to the run defense. As it stands, he's the team's leader in tackles with 41 while adding an interception that he returned for 88 yards and a score. The Fighting Illini have had three years of solid production from Bailey, and 2026 is on pace to be by far his best season.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Five Illinois Fighting Illini for Ducks fans to know in Week 8
