Football
Illinois Football Strengthens O-Line with Idaho Transfer Nathan Knapik
The Illini continue to add strength and size to their two deep to back up their already impressive offensive line.

Idaho offensive tackle transfer Nathan Knapik has signed with Illinois, @chris_hummer and I have learned.
The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Knapik has three years of eligibility remaining.https://t.co/10Sz3YwNKg pic.twitter.com/RXj50EGfKj
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 26, 2025
How Knapik Fits With Illinois Football
A former 3-star in the class of 2024, the redshirt-freshman stands in at a massive 6’7 and 285 pounds, which provides the Fighting Illini with a highly intriguing developmental option for the long term. Pending a little bit of work with coach Tank Wright to add some weight and strength, as well as work on some conditioning, Knapik is certainly built to compete in the Big Ten.
Notably, Illinois returns all five starters from 2024-25’s season-ending Citrus Bowl game victory, which is not only fantastic for Luke Altmyer and Barry Lunney Jr’s offense but also gives transfers like Nathan and his brother Aydan the opportunity to develop physically and get acclimated to the program before facing some of the toughest defensive lines in college football.

Oct 12, 2024. Champaign, Illinois. Illinois Fighting Illini. Offensive lineman J.C. Davis. Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit. Ron Johnson-Imagn Images.
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