Bielema’s Illini Head to JUCO Market Once Again For Late TE Addition 

The University of Illinois athletics department announced on Wednesday the signing of junior college tight end Benjamin “BJ” Thurman from College of San Mateo in California. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

May 13, 2026

CHAMPAIGN — The remake of the tight end room inside the University of Illinois football program has continued with an addition from one of Bret Bielema’s favorite go-to places: The junior college player market. 

Illinois announced the signing of junior college tight end Benjamin “BJ” Thurman from College of San Mateo in California. Thurman is likely to be one of nine tight ends . . .

 

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