Illini Still Searching For ‘Alpha’ Wide Receiver in Preseason Camp Practices

Only major question leading into the start of Illinois’ preseason practices for the 2025 season is who can emerge to replace Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin as outside wide receiver options.

By Matt Stevens- IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

July 31, 2025

CHAMPAIGN — Luke Altmyer is possibly the first person to admit and best person to describe the safety blanket of comfort to having a pair of experienced, talented receivers on the outside.

It’s not inaccurate to suggest Altmyer had a breakout campaign in 2024 because when things got sped up, complicated or difficult to identify while in the pocket . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Opinions from the Outside Looking In at Illini Football #492

Listen

IlliniGuys Top Fighting Illini PFs in our Lifetime, 4-Star 2027 QB Commit & Fantastic Four: First Steps Movie Review - #491

Listen

B1G Media Days, Illini Hoops & More - S4Ep50 - 7.25.25

Listen

IlliniGuys Top Fighting Illini SFs in our Lifetime - #490

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys – Luke Altmyer Poised to Soar Up All-Time Illini QB Rankings & Kofi Part II

Listen

NBA Summer League, Illini Recruiting Update, SEC Media Days & More - S4Ep49 - 7.18.25

Listen

I on the Illini - Fighting Illini Top 5 SGs & Superman Movie Review #489

Listen

Illini in NBA Summer League, New Basketball Hire & Illini Football - S4Ep48 - 7.11.25

Listen

I on the Illini - Fighting Illini Top 5 PGs #488

Listen

Best of Interviews Episode - 7.4.25 - S4Ep47

Listen

Illinois Athletics State of the Union Discussion - #487

Listen

Whitman's Illini State of the Nation & the NBA Draft - 6.27.25 - S4Ep46

Listen

Zach Hamer Illini Asst BB Coach Talks KJ, Will & the NBA Draft - #486

Listen

Illini FB Recruiting Update, If Illini FB was a Movie & NIL & NBA Draft "What If" #485

Listen

Illini BB International Players & Cearah Parchment the newest IlliniGal - 6.20.25 - S4Ep45

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.