Can Illinois Football finally unleash the Tight End Position?

For all of the progress Illinois football has made entering year six under Bret Bielema, tight end play still feels like one of the few positions that hasn’t fully found its footing in Barry Lunney Jr.’s offense. That said, as summer camp draws closer, and with kickoff to the 2026 season looming just around the corner, the position remains my clearest area of concern for Illinois Offense, as the unit dives into the “post-Luke Altmyer” era.

Considering Bielema’s history with the position, the lack of a true high-impact pass-catching tight end at Illinois is somewhat surprising. At Wisconsin and Arkansas, TE play was consistently a major producer in his offenses and was often viewed as one of his roster’s biggest strengths. Yet, despite Illinois developing into one of the Big Ten’s more stable and competitive programs during his time in Champaign, the Illini are still searching for that same level of production and consistency at the position. 

That becomes an even bigger focus in 2026, given how much change Illinois is working through offensively. Three-year starting quarterback Luke Altmyer is off to the NFL after signing with the Detroit Lions, leaving Barry Lunney Jr.’s offense in the hands of former Michigan State and ECU transfer Katin Houser. For quarterbacks like Katin,reliable tight end play has often served as a security blanket. As Houser takes over for his final season of eligibility and adjusts to a larger role in the Big Ten, in a brand new offense, having that kind of big, dependable presence in the passing game could prove invaluable. 

The question is: Who could step up to provide that consistent production?

Some Important Context to Illinois Tight End Struggles

That said, it’s important to understand the context when evaluating how the position has developed and why it hasn’t quite settled into a consistent identity during the Bielema era.

The road hasn’t always been smooth for the unit…. From Daniel Barker’s surprising transfer to Michigan State in year one of the Bielema era, to Cole Rusk’s season-ending knee injury in 2024, to coach Ben Miller briefly stepping away from his field duties in 2022 while battling stage 4 colon cancer (a battle he has since won and is now cancer-free), the group has dealt with its share of setbacks.

Really, the position has rarely had the chance to stabalize. That is, in terms of a consistent major contribution in the passing game.

There have certainly been plenty of positives as well, especially in the blocking aspect of the position. This has undoubtedly helped Illinois in the run game, as well as opening up other creative options offensively. Notably, Tip Reiman – who was a really good prototypical blocking TE for the Illini from 2020-2023 – was selected 82nd overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft, and has since been a consistent contributor for the Cardinals.

However, that game-changing weapon just hasn’t really been there for Barry Lunney Jr. and the Illini offense.

Which is exactly why the next step for this position under the new TE’s coach, Jared Elliott, becomes one of the most important questions (and concerns) of the offseason.

Can Jared Elliott Unlock Christian Abney?

New tight ends coach Jared Elliott is certainly a reason for some optimism around his unit. His arrival may end up being one of the more underrated additions on the staff during the offseason, especially given his previous relationship with Junior TE and presumed starter Christian Abney, from their time together at Ball State (2023-24).

Throughout the spring, coach Bielema repeatedly mentioned Abney as somebody who made real, visible progress, despite a minor injury somewhat limiting his time. Lunney Jr’s offense badly needs someone from this group to emerge into a larger role after the departures of Tanner Arkin and Cole Rusk, and Christian appears to be high on the Illinois football staff’s radar. 

After beginning his career at Ball State, the 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end made the jump to the Big Ten, viewed as both an experienced depth piece and a guy with legitimate developmental upside as a physical blocker, who can contribute through the air. He certainly looks the part. The question has simply been whether the production and consistency through the air would eventually follow.

2026 is a major opportunity for that breakthrough

The familiarity with Elliott could end up being exactly what helps bring another level out of Abney’s game. Comfort matters. For a position as detail-oriented as tight end, route timing, blocking technique, and overall trust within the offense are critical. Illinois has been searching for somebody capable of becoming more than just a complementary piece at the position, and internally, it feels like Abney is generating confidence within the program as someone who can be really solid in the role if he unlocks his full potential.

If Elliott can crack the code, it would be massive for both Christian Abney’s career.

A Potential X-Factor at Tight End for Illinois Football 

A major recent addition to watch is No. 1-rated JUCO tight end Benjamin “BJ” Thurman.

On paper, Thurman’s signing feels like a significant step in the right direction for coach Elliott’s room. Though young, he brings legitimate athleticism and downfield threat ability. Last year, Thurman posted 322 yards and six touchdowns last season at San Mateo College.

The upside is obvious. However, it’s a question of how quickly the Illinois staff can get this sophomore ready to compete in the Big Ten.

Illinois also needs Christian Abney to take a step forward and become a consistent go-to weapon. If he can get settled into the system, BJ’s abilities as an athletic, receiving tight end could do well with the strong blocking capabilities of Christian Abney. 

The Wildcard 

The biggest wildcard of the entire room is Kaden Feagin. His spring move from running back to tight end may have initially shocked some, but the more you think about it, the more sense it makes. At 6-foot-3 with a massive frame and surprisingly quick athleticism for his size, Feagin is a force when he gets moving in space.

Of course, it’s a matter of creating space that’s key for this big power back….

Feagin may never become a traditional in-line tight end, but that may not even be the point. Illinois could instead use him creatively as a hybrid piece who creates match-up problems against linebackers and safeties. Lunney has shown over the years that he is willing to get creative offensively when he has versatile pieces to work with. Kaden Feagin certainly qualifies as one of the more unique athletes on the roster.

The move also allows younger running backs like Ca’Lil Valentine, Aidan Laughery, and Jordan Anderson to shine.

If that experiment works, it would give Illinois another interesting and unique wrinkle offensively.

Can Illinois Football Get The Most From Jared Elliott’s Unit in 2027?

Ultimately, the Tight end position is an interesting and important role for Illinois Football entering the summer.

There are legitimate reasons for concern because proven production simply hasn’t consistently existed yet in the Bielema era. At the same time, there are also more intriguing young pieces in the room than Illinois has arguably had in several years. I do have confidence that if this staff (a very smart and experienced staff) zeros in on a crack in their roster, they have been really good to this point in fixing them.

Certainly, there’s plenty of unknowns left to solve, and a lot of work to do to get Jared Elliott’s unit to be a key producer in Lunney Jr’s offense this season. Which is why the position remains my top offensive concerns heading into summer camp. That said, if they can find a way to be a solid, consistent unit in 2026, the implications could be huge for Barry Lunney Jr, Katin Houser, and the evolving Illini offense.

Illinois Football. Photo Credit. Vincent Bruington. Armchair Illini. 5/20. Music City Bowl. Vs Tennessee.

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