Illinois Football DC Bobby Hauck Encouraged By Early Progress of defensive install

With just 31 days until kickoff, Illinois Football has officially entered the grind of fall camp as Bret Bielema’s program begins preparing for its Sept. 5 home opener against UAB.

Of course, no storyline has generated more discussion entering camp than Bobby Hauck’s arrival and the implementation of his aggressive 3-3-5 defense. Hauck arrives in Champaign after one of the most successful coaching runs in FCS history.  He led Montana to 151 wins, eight Big Sky championships, 13 FCS playoff appearances and four national championship game appearances across two stints as head coach in Missoula. His defenses consistently ranked among the nation’s best in scoring defense, sacks and turnovers forced. All of this culminated in a reputation for relentless pressure and versatility.

Hauck’s defense brings a different look than what Illinois Football has shown in recent seasons under former DC Aaron Henry, increasing emphasis on pressure and disguise. When executed properly, the 3-3-5 has the potential to be a more aggressive and exciting brand of defense in Champaign, though some early bumps in the road are inevitable as players adjust to a new coaching staff and system.

While his unit remains a work in progress, Hauck sounded encouraged in Tuesday’s post-practice media availability, following another full-speed practice. The Illini DC offered some takeaways from the scheme’s development, as well as a few names who have caught his attention early in camp.

How Illinois Football is blending Hauck’s 3-3-5 with familiar concepts

One of the more interesting takeaways from Tuesday’s media availability was that Illinois isn’t completely starting over defensively. While the Illini are transitioning into Hauck’s version of the 3-3-5, some elements from Aaron Henry’s system have remained in place to help returning players adjust more naturally to the scheme. The philosophy aligns with Hauck’s belief since arriving in Champaign that the defense should be built around maximizing the strengths of current personnel.

“You know, we’ve got a really nice blend of guys that have been here before, along with guys that came in in February. Our defense is kind of a blend. We’ve got some concepts that are carryover from things that we’ve done here in the past. So, I think the guys that have been here, and the guys that are new, have really worked well together. I think everybody’s enjoying the good staff camaraderie we have, and hopefully that’ll mean productivity with the defensive staff.”

Spring Evaluations Continuing Into Fall Camp for Illinois Football

For Hauck and his staff, spring was focused on identifying where each defender could fit within this new system. Those evaluations have continued into fall camp, as his crew works tirelessly to identify where each player can make the biggest impact, based on their strengths. 

“Spring ball was really productive. The offseason program, in terms of being able to get out there a little bit with them, I thought was really good. I think good coaches, whether it’s Coach Lunney, have given us all kinds of stuff that’s really difficult to defend right now. It’s so good for us, in terms of our defense, especially with the younger guys seeing new things.”

Notably, the Illini defensive coordinator’s approach has centered around adapting the scheme to his personnel rather than forcing players into a specific mold. Hauck’s primary focus has been identifying what each player does best and finding ways to put them in positions to succeed. 

“You play to your strengths as best you can. If you’re flexible in terms of philosophy or schematically, you can try to get your guys in the best place. So, it’s not really about how you line them up. It’s about trying to get them in the best place to do what they do best. That’s what we’re going to try to do.”

A Few Defenders Making Early Impressions in Hauck’s New System

A few names did come up during Tuesday’s media availability as early standouts in fall camp.

Secondary Leaders Xavier Scott and Matt Bailey

It all starts in the back end with veterans Xavier Scott and Matthew Bailey. In a secondary-focused defense that asks them to disguise coverages and become active pieces in certain pressure packages, their experience could be among the biggest determining factors in Illinois’ defensive success in 2026. Both Scott and Bailey are likely NFL draft picks. Both will be tasked with leading an experienced unit that features several veteran pieces with professional aspirations of their own, including Juice Clarke and Mac Resetich.

“Yeah, I mean, they’ve been doing some stuff this summer, and we’ve had some on-field time with them, so it’s not completely new. But it was fun to watch those guys. You know, they’re some of the historically better players on the defense, and it showed up yesterday. They looked good.”

Hauck Discusses The Versatility Of Utah State DL Transfer, Will Holmes.

Another veteran player generating early praise within this new system is Utah State transfer Will Holmes. The junior arrives with experience at both defensive line and outside linebacker, making him a versatile piece for Hauck along the front 6. According to the Illini DC, he’s certainly been impressive early.

“Will’s big, fast, and physical. So, that’s a good place to start with a defensive player. He’s an intelligent guy, and I think his best football is in front of him. I think he’s just scratching the surface…  My notes from practice yesterday were that Will Holmes is going to be hard to handle. I think he’s got a lot of great attributes.“

Jacksonville State Transfer Darrell Prater Looks to Fill A Major Void for Illinois Football Along The Defensive Front

Along the defensive front, Jacksonville State transfer Darrell Prater is among the newcomers expected to help replace a significant amount of lost production during the offseason. Illinois must replace NFL-bound James Thompson Jr., in addition to Angelo McCollum, Tomiwa Durojaiye, Jeremiah Warren and Curt Neal, who all decided to hit the transfer portal following Aaron Henry’s offseason departure to Notre Dame. With so much turnover up front, the development of incoming transfers like Prater and Carter Janki, alongside returners Pat Farrell and Joe Barna, will be a major factor in the success of the Illini’s front seven in 2026.

Hauck likes what he’s seen from Prater thus far. The new Illini DC believes the Jacksonville State transfer is continuing to progress and put himself in a position to earn a meaningful role in this aggressive 3-3-5 system.

“Well, you know, anytime you hit the transfer area and bring in guys, you’re hoping they can contribute, maybe more. I thought Darrell had a nice spring. I also think that this conference we play in is different than where some of these guys come from, so they have to up their game a little bit… <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>He’s working hard to do that.”

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! The Armchair team is proud to partner with Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Reserve your table HERE. Enter our home game giveaways on our social media pages to win a $100 gift card.

We are also proud to partner with the Campus Ink Illini NIL Store! Use the code: ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off your purchase. Please subscribe to the Armchair Illini Podcast on YouTube here.

Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.

Finally, subscribe to our newsletter here for more Illinois basketball recruiting news! Go Illini.