Illinois Football must replace three standout defensive linemen

Illinois Football Spring Practice: Bret Bielema, Aaron Henry, and Terrance Jamison look to figure out the defensive line.

The Illini have been here before. This time last spring, head coach Bret Bielema and defensive coordinator Aaron Henry were figuring out how to replace their entire secondary. Now, they must figure out how to replace their defensive line. While there are fewer players to replace, Illinois football has to go about finding a replacement for another All-Conference future first-round draft pick. Bielema and his defensive staff had to replace Devon Witherspoon in 2023; this year, it is future first-rounder Jer’Zhan Newton.

Newton was a consensus All-American and All-Big Ten first-team selection. The Florida native led the Illini in sacks and was second in tackles for loss. Keith Randolph did not have the final season he anticipated, but he was still a solid piece in the rotation. Denzel Daxon plugged the middle as a pure zero-technique nose tackle.

Who does Illinois Football have to replace them?

Bielema and his staff were busy this offseason. They signed five defensive linemen out of high school; however, they are not likely to play this fall. JUCO transfer Daniel Brown projects as an outside linebacker for Illinois’ multiple front, 3-4 base defense. However, the Illini attacked the transfer portal. Dennis Briggs, Jr. (Florida State), Anthony Johnson (Youngstown State), and Enyce Sledge (Auburn) are all competing for snaps in the fall. All three portal additions look to be rotational pieces.

Is there anyone near as talented as Newton?

Spring might not answer that question specifically, but Bielema, Henry, and Jamison should have some idea of how to shape the rotation.