‘A disguised blessing’: Why Illini Coaches Aren’t Worrying About Early Camp Offensive Line Injuries

Illinois offensive line is currently out its top two offensive tackles on both sides of the line with nagging injuries but Bret Bielema’s coaching staff are getting intense looks at the youth of its depth chart.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

August 9, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN — Don’t get Bret Bielema wrong. The Illinois fifth-year head coach would obviously prefer to get through a month-long preseason camp without injuries to any of the projected starting lineup but as he enters his 16th season leading a power conference football program, he also . . .

 

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