Sport: College Sports Category: Transactions

Illinois football contenders compete for kicking position in fall camp

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 2:06 AM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Illinois football contenders compete for kicking position in fall camp

Summary

Illinois football is in search of a new kicker as the 2026 season approaches. A competition is underway between returner Ethan Moczulski, who previously played at Washington, and junior Lucas Osada, who redshirted the last season. Special teams coordinator Chris Hurd noted that both kickers are making strong cases during fall camp, and decisions on who will handle kicks may come down to game-time assessments. David Olano, the previous kicker, has transferred to Texas A&M.

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Key Details

•Ethan Moczulski returns to Illinois after a season at Washington.
•Lucas Osada is attempting to secure the starting kicking role after redshirting.
•Chris Hurd highlights strong performances from both kickers in practice.
•David Olano has transferred to Texas A&M.

Latest Updates

2:06 AMYahoo Sports — Competition continues for Illini kicking role

What they're saying

"
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois finds itself in need of a new kicker this season, but the battle is on between a second-year vet and a returner to Champaign. Ethan Moczulski is back with Illinois after one season at Washington, specializing in kickoffs for his home state team. In 2024 with the Illini, he set […]
— Yahoo Sports

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