Football
Illinois Football WR Collin Dixon On Pace to Shatter Illini Receiving Record
With Collin Dixon off to a historic start, can Illinois Football find enough offensive to keep pace with Ohio State at the Horseshoe?
Through the first 3 games of the 2026 season, Illinois Football wideout Collin Dixon has quickly established himself as Katin Houser’s most dangerous and trusted target in the Illini’s passing game.
Through three games, Dixon has already hauled in 25 receptions for 367 yards and 7 touchdowns. These stats put him just 3 scores away from tying the program’s single-season record for receiving touchdowns. Currently, Pat Bryant, Brandon Lloyd, and David Williams hold a 3-way tie for the single-season record with 10 scores.
At his current pace, Dixon is likely to blow past that.
Of course, the challenge becomes considerably more difficult as Illinois Football moves into Big Ten play. Dixon has already shown an ability to produce at an incredible rate, but expecting two or three touchdown catches every week against increasingly difficult competition would be unrealistic. The opportunities will certainly be tougher to come by, and of course, Ohio State’s defense in week 3 is a significant step up in competition.
Still, Dixon appears well on his way to shattering that record, needing only three more touchdowns to tie it with nine games remaining.
Houser and Dixon Building a Special Connection for Illinois Football
The connection between Dixon and QB Katin Houser has become one of the most notable developments for Illinois through the first three games of 2026. Houser has clearly developed strong trust in Dixon when the Illini need a play, and that relationship should only continue to grow as the season progresses.
If Illinois Football wants any chance of going into Columbus and doing the unthinkable, the offense will need to find a rhythm on the ground. A consistent rushing attack would take pressure off Houser, keep Ohio State’s defense honest, and create more opportunities for Dixon to make plays downfield. He has already established himself as one of the Illini’s biggest playmakers through the first three games, but Saturday presents a completely different kind of stage. Now, Dixon has a chance to take another major step forward against one of the best teams in the country and establish himself on one of the biggest stages in college football.
Illinois Football. Collin Dixon. No. 17. Week one vs. UAB. Photo Credit: Illinois Football. Instagram. (@Illinifootball). Entrance vs. UAB.