Sport: Football Category: Scores & Results

Illinois Illini begin 2026 fall practices as roster reshapes ahead of season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 2:48 PM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

Illinois Illini begin 2026 fall practices as roster reshapes ahead of season

Summary

The Illinois football team opened its fall training camp on August 4 in Champaign, led by head coach Bret Bielema. The practice marked a significant shift for Bielema, noting that there are more newcomers among the 110-man roster than returning players. Several players are sidelined due to injuries, including wide receiver Hudson Clement and linebacker Daniel Brown. Freshman wide receiver Davon Grant is expected to medically retire and will not play for the team. Changes to the roster include offensive lineman Dezmond Schuster returning for a sixth season and adjustments in player positions, including Jershaun Newton moving to wide receiver and Will Holmes transitioning to defensive end. With a new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, the team is adapting to a 3-3-5 scheme while focusing on daily progress in training.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Bret Bielema opens 2026 fall practices with a reshaped roster.
•More newcomers than returnees on the 110-man roster.
•Several players are sidelined due to injuries.
•Davon Grant expected to medically retire, will not play.
•Team adapts to a new defensive scheme under Bobby Hauck.

Latest Updates

2:48 PMYahoo Sports — Notes: Illini officially turn page to 2026 season with fall practices now underway

What they're saying

"
Aug. 4—CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema experienced a first in his lengthy coaching career Monday, opening fall training camp at Illinois with a roster boasting more newcomers on his 110-man roster than returning players. Not all of those 110 players, however, were on the field Monday night at Gies Memorial Stadium for the Illini's first training camp practice. A half dozen or so, including wide ...
— Yahoo Sports

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