‘He Didn't Let It Rattle Him’: Inside Freshman Tywan Cox’s Resilient Illini Debut

By Zeno Jo - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 9, 2026

CHAMPAIGN – Tywan Cox was on the field for just a short while before seeing the first pass come his way. He was beat by what was a “good throw and a good catch”, as described by defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, but didn’t let the early loss sting him.

Hauck’s 3-3-5 system, which deploys three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs, has been the point of some early criticism, but it has set the stage for some key depth chart battles. With senior Juice Clarke locking . . .

 

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