Illinois football previews 2026 season with injury updates and roster changes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 4:14 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Illinois football previews 2026 season with injury updates and roster changes

Summary

Illinois football held its 2026 media day in Champaign on August 14. Head coach Bret Bielema discussed key roster updates, including injuries to tight end BJ Thurman and transfer Alex Perry, both expected to miss most of the season. Freshman Landen Von Seggern will switch from offensive line to tight end, while fifth-year senior Josh Lorick joins the team from Incarnate Word. Lorick's eligibility hinges on a recent ruling concerning the NCAA's new eligibility policy.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Bret Bielema provided injury updates at media day in Champaign.
•Tight end BJ Thurman will miss most of the season after foot surgery.
•Transfer Alex Perry is expected to miss most of the season due to shoulder surgery.
•Freshman Landen Von Seggern is changing positions to tight end.
•Josh Lorick joins Illinois, potentially gaining a fifth year of eligibility.

Latest Updates

4:14 AMYahoo Sports — Bielema provides updates on injuries, roster makeup, position changes

What they're saying

"
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois football held its 2026 media day in Champaign on Friday. The Illini are entering the 2026 season having won 19 combined games in the last two years. Now, they’re tasked with replacing an impressive senior class from last fall. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema opened up the local media day […]
— Yahoo Sports

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