‘T.J. will step up and do a great job’: McMillen Likely Starter at RG

Illinois offensive line coach Bart Miller hints fourth-year reserve interior lineman T.J. McMillen likely to get his second career start on Saturday.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

September 9, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN — Even though his boss wasn’t prepared to announce a new right guard starter, doesn’t mean Illinois offensive line coach Bart Miller was going to do the same.

Just over 24 hours after Illinois head coach Bret Bielema declined to confirm who would be replacing Brandon Henderson in the starting lineup, the leader of the Illini offensive line group . . .

 

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