CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois football team is gearing up for a promising 2024 season, hoping to erase the disappointments from last year. After narrowly missing a bowl game with heartbreaking two-point losses in their final two matches, Coach Bret Bielema is hopeful for this season’s squad. “We are excited about this talented roster. Forty-five of them have never played in an Illini football game, but we are finding out everyone’s strengths and playing to them.”
Illini Offensive Coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.
This seasoned squad includes Ezekiel Holmes and Florida State transfer Dennis Briggs Jr., both defensive linemen in their seventh season of college football, with a collective 77 games played. Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry says they are ready for the challenge of a difficult schedule. “Every week is a college playoff game. In our quarterback, we have a signal-caller who is this talented – we have a chance to win a lot of games
Illinois football defensive coordinator Aaron Henry
Luke Altmyer, the quarterback from Ole Miss, returns for his second season as the starting quarterback. Altmyer ended last season with 1,833 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. talked about some of the returning weapons. Wide receiver Zakhari Franklin, the active career leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, has only gotten stronger in the offseason. Lunney Jr. says “We have learned to run the football better. Our throwing is better. We have improved our skills in protecting the quarterback.”
The Illini know they face a tough schedule, including preseason AP Top 25 teams Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, and Kansas. The season opener is on Aug. 29 against Eastern Illinois, and Memorial Stadium will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Oct. 19 against Michigan. The season culminates in the annual rivalry game against Northwestern at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Nov. 30.