25-Year-Old Edge/LB William Holmes Commits to Illini Out of Transfer Portal

25-year-old edge rusher/linebacker William Holmes has agreed to transfer to Illinois after producing 45 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks at Utah State in 2025.

By Matt Stevens - Football Writer/Analyst

January 8, 2026

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The mantra of Illinois head coach Bret Bielema to get old and stay old with your player roster has now been taken to a new level inside the Smith Family Football Complex in Champaign after the acquisition of William Holmes.

Holmes, who is a 25-year-old finishing just his second year of organized football, has signed a . . .

 

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