Apr. 11—CHAMPAIGN — Four of the five starting offensive linemen are back.
The top four running backs return.
The quarterback enters his third year as a starter and is hearing Heisman hype.
The starting tight end is back with talented helpers.
So, what is the potential trouble spot for the Illinois football team's offense in 2025?
Using process of elimination, wide receiver certainly took a graduation hit.
All-Big Ten First-Team pick Pat Bryant and one-year wonder Zakhari Franklin combined for 109 receptions in 2024. That was 51 percent of the total catches by the team.
The rest of the receivers combined for 50 catches.
And they were productive receptions by Bryant and Franklin, good for 1,636 yards, which was nearly 60 percent of the team's total.
Yes, Illinois has holes to fill. Hank Beatty, Alex Capka-Jones. Collin Dixon and Malik Elzy are ready for increased workloads. And ready to haul in plenty of passes from quarterback Luke Altmyer.
"It's definitely exciting," Beatty said. "More opportunity to get the ball."
They are joined by West Virginia transfer Hudson Clement, who caught 51 passes for the Mountaineers last season. And Justin Bowick, who hauled in 20 passes for Ball State.
Suddenly, the amount of returning receptions has climbed. Both Clement and Bowick are participating in spring drills, helping them get familiar with Barry Lunney Jr.'s offense.
Confidence is high
Justin Stepp is in his second year as receivers coach after taking over for departed George McDonald.
The returning players and newcomers understand there is plenty of work to do before the opener against Western Illinois on Aug. 30.
They've got two more weeks of spring drills, then summer workouts and training camp. Time is on their side, with 141 days until the games count.
"We're kind of just finding out everybody's role," Beatty said. "Obviously getting the transfers and the new guys all caught up to date. We're trying to figure out how we mesh together with Luke and get our jobs done."
Enough ability exists on the current roster, Beatty said.
"We have a lot of talented guys," he said. "It's just a matter of everybody taking their opportunity and running with it."
Beatty is coming off a career-best 90-yard game in Illinois' Citrus Bowl win against South Carolina. His four catches included one that went for 59 yards.
Illinois played the bowl game without Bryant, who opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.
"It felt good stepping into that role a little bit," Beatty said. "Hopefully, that can continue this year."
Beatty came to Illinois after a stellar high school career at Rochester. He is one of the growing number of area players on Bret Bielema's team, including freshman receiver Brayden Trimble of Mt. Zion.
"Having that connection with him, being from the 217 (area code), being central Illinois kind of guys, it just feels like I've got to take him under my wing a little bit more," Beatty said. "It's good to see him out there making plays. He's playing really fast."
Jumping in as a freshman isn't easy. Beatty caught seven passes as freshman, eight as a sophomore and then 20 in 2024.
"Coming in my freshman year, I didn't really know what to expect," Beatty said. "We had a lot of older guys. It's just progressed each year."
The transition to college football has been easier for Beatty because of his nearby support system. Rochester is only 82 miles from the UI campus.
"It's huge to have people you can lean on for support," Beatty said. "My mom and dad love to come up all the time. ...
