Football
Illinois Football: Can a Rebuilt Defensive Line Exceed Expectations?
Can Illinois Football piece it all together on the defensive line in 2026?
With exactly 28 ways until kickoff vs the UAB Blazers, Illinois Football continues working through the dog days of fall camp to install an entirely new defensive identity under new DC Bobby Hauck. Much of the attention has rightfully centered around the new 3-3-5 scheme, and its veteran leadership in the ever-important secondary, with future pros Xavier Scott, Matt Bailey and Juice Clarke leading the way in a system that is heavily reliant on its back end. That said, another important piece of that transition is taking shape up front under first-year defensive line coach Jordan Thomas.
Thomas replaces former Co-DC and D-Line coach Terrance Jamison, who departed for the NFL. The former Boston College defensive line coach arrives in Champaign with extensive coaching and playing experience within the 3-3-5, having previously coached for his alma mater, Rocky Long, who is regarded as the “godfather” of the 3-3-5 system. All things considered, he’s a natural fit to help implement Hauck’s vision.
His assignment in 2026, however, is no easy one.
Illinois is looking to replace James Thompson Jr., who was recently picked up by the San Francisco 49ers. They also look to replace transfer portal losses Angelo McCollum, Tomiwa Durojaiye, Jeremiah Warren and Curt Neal. While the Illini secondary returns one of the Big Ten’s most experienced and talented groups on the back end, coach Thomas’s defensive front enters 2026 with more question marks. However, Thomas believes the group has embraced both the challenge and the demands of learning an entirely new defensive philosophy.
During Wednesday’s media availability, the first-year assistant discussed his unit’s early progress heading into the fall.
Jordan Thomas Already Appreciating Bret Bielema’s Winning Culture
Although Thomas is new to Champaign, he was very familiar with Bret Bielema’s reputation. Growing up watching Bielema’s Wisconsin teams dominate, Thomas quickly developed an appreciation for the culture the veteran head coach builds wherever he goes.
Now working alongside him in Champaign, those early impressions have only been reinforced.
“I didn’t know Coach B before. My experience with Coach B was watching Wisconsin, growing up, absolutely assault people in the run game. Working with Coach Horton, who had spent time at Wisconsin, that was always my idea of Coach B before meeting him. A hard-nosed, physical coach, detailed as heck. Knowing his time at Arkansas and then with the Patriots and Giants, I just knew him as a guy with a lot of head coaching experience who always put together very tough teams. I wanted to be a part of that.“
Illinois Football’s Defensive Front Already Playing Faster
Of course, installing an entirely new defensive philosophy doesn’t happen overnight. Spring practice provided the foundation, while months of offseason work have helped Illinois become more comfortable with the new terminology, techniques and responsibilities. Entering fall camp, Thomas believes that familiarity is already translating to a faster, cleaner product on the field.
“These guys did an absolutely amazing job just busting their tails learning everything they had to learn over the course of the summer. We’re in a spot right now where this is probably the fourth or fifth time they’ve heard the way we’re teaching defense… Day one to day three now has looked a lot faster, a lot cleaner compared to what it was in the spring.”
That increased familiarity has been one of the biggest differences early in fall camp. After spending the summer learning the new system, Thomas’s unit has now embraced his defensive philosophy much quicker and more confidently.
“That familiarity is always good with the guys. They’ve been awesome just getting into a different mode of play than what was played here last year, which was very successful. We wanted to change the script a little bit, but the guys have really taken to the information and the style of play we’re trying to get to. They’ve applied it really fast.“
A New Defensive Philosophy Up Front
Despite the challenges that come with installing a new defensive system and working with several new faces, Thomas believes the process has been one of the most rewarding parts of his first season with Illinois.
“It’s the best part. That’s why you coach. Coming in here and having a chance to teach a scheme that I believe in, that us coaches believe in, and that the players are believing in, that’s been the most exciting piece of it.“
For Thomas, the reward has been watching that belief translate into growth on the field.
“It’s a completely different mode of play than what was played here before, and it’s been really fun watching those guys learn it and start to grow within the scheme. The multiple ways these guys can go and win rushes has probably been the most exciting part of how we’re teaching this thing.”
Experience With the 3-3-5 Has Helped Ease the Transition
Thomas believes his background has helped with simplifying the teaching process. While he was quick to point out that any coach can learn a defensive system, Thomas said having previously played and coached in the 3-3-5 system under Rocky Long allows him to better explain the “why” of every facet of this system.
“It’s not to sit here and say you can only coach this defense if you’ve coached it before. Everything is teaching, everything is learning at every level between the coaches and the players. It definitely helps. I think the biggest thing that’s helping me more than coaching it is playing it and having those little keys that can help these guys be successful and give them a little anticipation for what’s coming next.”
Who’s Standing Out On the D-Line for Illinois Football Early in Fall Camp?
Joe Barna’s Return Provides a Veteran Boost
While Illinois added several new faces to the defensive front this offseason, getting one familiar face back may prove to be critical.
Veteran edge rusher Joe Barna missed spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery, limiting Thomas’ opportunity to work with one of the room’s most experienced defenders. Now healthy, Barna is back on the field and expected to play a significant role as Illinois replaces a considerable amount of production up front.
According to Coach Thomas, his return has been a major plus for his unit.
“Joe’s a guy that’s TSD certified, man. Tough, smart, and dependable. That’s a guy with a really high football IQ, who’s extremely quick off the edge and a savvy player that can make good moves inside and outside. I’m excited to have Joe back in the fold now after spring.“
Darrell Prater Continues Earning Praise
Jacksonville State transfer Darrell Prater has been one of the names popping up early in fall camp.
A day after Bobby Hauck praised Prater’s development, Thomas echoed that same confidence. Making the jump from the C-USA to the Big Ten certainly isn’t easy, but the first-year defensive line coach believes Prater’s experience has helped him adjust quickly and become a valuable piece of his room.
“Darrell has been a great addition to this room. Coming in here from Jacksonville State, he’s a guy who’s played a lot of college football and comes from a football background with his dad being a coach. In this defense, all three guys up front have to have some idea of what’s going on coverage-wise. Having him in that position with his background and all the football he’s played has been a huge asset to what we’ve been doing.“
Why Will Holmes Has Become an “Asset” For Illinois Football on the D-Line.
After Hauck described Holmes as a player “who’s going to be hard to handle” in yesterday’s presser, Thomas expanded on why the transfer has quickly become one of the more intriguing additions to Illinois’ defensive front.
“Will’s a pro, man. His background with baseball, the way he trains, the way he processes information and immediately takes it to the field, that’s been extremely exciting. Adding all these new guys since spring has been great, but especially having Will. When you have that professional sports mindset, it allows you to be even more successful in college because you’ve seen what it looks like at the highest level of competition. He’s been an absolute asset to have in the room.”
Thomas also believes Holmes’ versatility makes him an ideal fit for Hauck’s defense.
“Will is an extremely athletic player that’s a big dude who moves well whether he’s working inside or outside. Having a naturally big guy that moves that well…it’s football. It’s not rocket science. You’re excited about big, athletic dudes that can move in a scheme like this.”
Young Talent Already Making an Impression Early For Illinois Football On The Defensive Front
Although much of the attention has centered around veteran contributors and transfers, coach Thomas also highlighted several younger players who have impressed the Illinois Football defensive staff during the opening stages of camp. Among those mentioned were true freshmen Palatine’s Tony Balanganayi and Brother Rice’s King Liggins, along with Division II All-American transfer Ean Rhea. (Transfer from Emory and Henry University).
On Balanganayi: “Tony’s awesome. Tony’s a smart dude with an awesome family. He’s an extremely good athlete and was a big-time basketball player in the state of Illinois. It’s been exciting watching him move around, seeing what he can do and watching him put his hands on people.“
On Liggins: “King comes from a big-time program here in Illinois and has a really good football understanding. Now it’s just the simple things coming from high school football, hand work, footwork and being more consistent. Scheme-wise, he’s been doing really well and has absolutely attacked his development through his freshman year.“
Thomas also had high praise for Ean Rhea, believing the Division II star possesses the versatility needed to compete in Illinois’ new scheme, and the Big Ten.
On Rhea: “When you add a guy that was conference player of the year, I don’t care what level it is, that guy can play. Ean’s a dude that can turn his shoulders, bend extremely well off the line, and has experience playing in coverage. Those all-around football players are exactly what you’re looking for in this scheme because they can help you wherever you put them, rushing inside or outside.“
Illinois Football. Armchair Illini. Ean Reah. Photo Credit: Ean Reah on Instagram. (5reah_).
Final Thoughts
Despite plenty of confidence within the unit, the defensive line remains one of the biggest question marks for Illinois Football heading into the 2026 season. Those questions won’t be answered until September 3rd when the Illini take on UAB, and more likely, the following week against Duke. However, there have been some encouraging signs during the opening week of fall camp.
Replacing the production lost from last year’s front will take time. Especially with an entirely new coaching staff and defensive system in place, with several transfer pieces. Still, Thomas has consistently emphasized how quickly his players have embraced learning this new defense. That confidence is certainly encouraging.
If that progression continues over the next month, and confidence remains high, the Illini could enter the season with a defensive front better prepared than expected following such significant turnover.
Illinois football defensive lineman Joe Barna in the 2025 Music CIty Bowl. Photo Credit: Armchair Illini.