Illinois Football Continues Offensive Line Rebuild With JUCO OT Maika Matelau

By Zeno Jo - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 2, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – With his offensive line set to lose some of its most veteran voices this offseason, Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema has wasted no time picking up some game-ready players to protect his quarterback for the 2026 season.

On Tuesday, the program picked up a commitment from three-star JUCO interior offensive lineman Maika Matelau. Hailing from Ontario, California, and currently playing at Mt. San Antonio College, there was a long list of Power Five suitors to pick up Matelau. Illinois beat out Wisconsin, Michigan State, BYU, NC . . .

 

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