Apr. 15—Saving his arm for fall

An NBC camera crew was in Champaign throughout Monday working on a feature on Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer. The action shots they got were almost exclusively Altmyer handing the ball off to one of his running backs. Actual passes were few and far between. Sort of like Friday’s scrimmage, where Altmyer also had an easy evening during what was a full-contact practice. No reason to put him in harm’s way in April.

Quarterback hierarchy

Northern Illinois transfer Ethan Hampton is the likely backup at quarterback heading into the 2025 season given his experience. (Remember, he led the Huskies to a win against College Football Playoff runners-up Notre Dame. In South Bend, Ind., no less). But young quarterbacks Trey Petty and Carson Boyd are also getting reps. It was the latter — a true freshman early enrollee — who got the third string snaps Monday.

Injury update

Brandon Henderson in a green jersey with a protective boot on his left foot was the only notable new injury Monday. Mostly because the 6-foot-5, 335-pound junior to be is the projected starter at right guard. The ankle sprain that kept Henderson sidelined, however, isn’t seen as serious, and coach Bret Bielema said the East St. Louis native should finish out the final two spring ball practices this week.

Swing offensive lineman

Henderson’s injury opened the door for Brandon Hansen to get reps with the first string Monday. The Illinois coaches have regularly mentioned the 6-6, 335-pound Hansen this spring, and it seems likely he’ll be the Illini’s swing offensive lineman — the sixth man capable of playing multiple positions — come fall. But even on a light day Hansen, fresh off his freshman season, took some correction from offensive line coaches Bart Miller and Byron Bell.

Running back options

Josh McCray looked especially spry with the ball in his hands Monday night. Of course, there was no fear of getting hammered by any of the defenders on the field during a half-speed, no-contact practice. No one will confuse McCray as a burner like teammate Aidan Laughery, but the 6-1, 235-pound running back out of Enterprise, Ala., sort of splits the difference between Laughery and the 6-3, 250-pound Kaden Feagin, who is still recovering from hip surgery.

Staying safe

At least as many Illinois players wore Guardian Caps during Monday’s practice — limited contact notwithstanding — as players that didn’t. If not more. The soft-shell helmet covers designed to alleviate some of the force of blows to the head have become a practice staple at both the college and NFL levels. While they make players look like their heads are too big for their bodies, the potential to alleviate some concussion concerns is worth it.

Teaching on display

The loudest voices on the field Monday night were defensive coordinator Aaron Henry and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. Mostly because the longest practice segments were spent on corrections and installing plays. That’s the coordinator’s domain. Bielema was in more of an overseer role, but he didn’t hesitate to step in, stop practice and express his desire for plays to be run, even at half or quarter speed, with more intent and precision.

Length, athleticism at linebacker

One look at Malachi Hood and it’s apparent Illinois is rebuilding its linebacker room in his image. The 6-2, 225-pound Hood plays bigger than his listed size while maintaining the fluid athleticism that allows him to cover a lot of territory in the middle of the Illini defense. Illinois still has thumpers like Dylan Rosiek and Kenenna Odeluga, but the 2025 linebackers signed and 2025 linebackers committed more resemble Hood physically. As in long and athletic.

Men in the middle

Jeremiah Warren is a space eater at nose tackle, and the 6-3, 305-pound sophomore also flashed good movement during Monday night’s transfer. Wisconsin transfer Curt Neal fits a similar mold at 6-foot and 300 pounds and has received nothing but praise from the Illinois coaches. Warren and Neal’s presence should make up for the fact TeRah Edwards didn’t get his unlikely bonus season of eligibility and still give the Illini solid production at nose tackle.

Punter matters

Illinois is maintaining its streak of Australian punters in 2025 even after 31-year-old Hugh Robertson entered the transfer portal. The Illini plucked former Purdue punter Keelan Crimmins, who started his career at Mississippi State, from the portal. Crimmins has a big leg, but Declan Duley’s transfer creates questions if the latest Illini Aussie ever can’t punt. Walk-on newcomer Collin Blocki doesn’t have the same level of ability.