
Capka-Jones’ Consistency Continues Throughout Illini Preseason Camp
Alexander Capka-Jones is looking to break out as a known commodity after not getting much attention as a high school player, junior college talent or even a returning member of this Illini roster.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
August 20, 2025
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN — In his first media session of preseason camp, Illinois wide receiver Justin Stepp spoke for eight minutes and 38 seconds on Aug. 5 and the noteworthy item from that interview was not about what was said but the name that wasn’t mentioned.
Stepp never mentioned the name Alexander Capka-Jones. To be fair to the Illini’s second-year position coach, nobody asked him about Capka-Jones, a receiver who had just two receptions for 21 yards in 2024.
Less than 24 hours after Stepp’s media session, the same player was first in line as an outside receiver for individual drills during the media viewing portion of the Illini’s preseason. It was the same outside receiver who had been first in line the day before and likely would be first in line the next days going forward - No. 7 Alexander Capka-Jones. It is for that level of consistency in his work, among many other things,