Illinois Football News: WR Kenari Wilcher enters Transfer portal

Per Illininquirer.com, sophomore wide receiver Kenari Wilcher has decided to enter the transfer portal. Wilcher was a 3-star recruit in the class of 2023 who primarily spent time as a kick returner. Outside of kick returns, Wilcher barely saw the field as a wide receiver. Through two seasons, he ended up with 8 receptions for a total of 71 yards. Kenari is the seventh Illini football player to announce the intent to enter the transfer portal. With the bowl game practices about to start up, expect more attrition from the Illini roster.

What it means?

Illinois football has to replace a lot from the wide receiver room. Their top two receivers, Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant, will move on to pursue their NFL dreams. However, they do have some intriguing talent in the room to step up despite losing Kenari Wilcher. Collin Dixon showed promise throughout the season as a reliable pass-catcher and blocker. Hank Beatty showed that he could contribute in the return game and on the field as a slot receiver. Meanwhile, Malik Elzy looks poised to earn a lot more reps on the field. Despite this, expect Illinois to go after a wide receiver in the transfer portal. After the Citrus Bowl, Bret Bielema’s main priority will likely revolve around building around Luke Altmyer, who hopefully will return to Champaign for one last go-round.

Adding some productive weapons to replace Franklin and Bryant will be of the utmost significance.

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