NEWS: Illini Receiver Pat Bryant will not play in 2024 bowl game

Per Illini head coach, Bret Bielema, star wide receiver Pat Bryant will not be playing in the 2024 bowl game to focus on preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.

#illini Bret Bielema: WR Pat Bryant will not play in the bowl game. He's going full speed ahead with NFL Draft prep.

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 5, 2024

Over the seniors’ final 12 regular season games of his college career, #13 tabbed up 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, on 54 attempts from Luke Altmyer, on his way to a Reeses Senior Bowl Invite, and a 2nd Team All Big Ten nomination. Bryant’s impressive efforts boosted Barry Lunney Jr’s offense in 2024, giving the Fighting Illini a consistent home run threat down the field.

Of course, when the Illini needed a big play, Bryant was there to answer the call.

Takeaway

The Illini are currently projected to play in the Cheez-it Citrus Bowl against an SEC opponent. Bryant’s absence will certainly put a lot more pressure on the connection between Luke Altmyer and Zakhari Franklin. On the flip side, however, it brings an opportunity to look into the future. Sophomores Malik Elzy and Collin Dixon will certainly get more game reps. Players like Hank Beatty and Alexander Capka-Jones will also get the opportunity to show their game.

THANK YOU ILLINI NATION pic.twitter.com/48kG9S86to

— 𝑷𝑨𝑻 𝑩𝑹𝒀𝑨𝑵𝑻 ¹³ (@duvalpat3) December 3, 2024

This situation is a business decision, and the Illini nation certainly wishes Pat the best in his NFL journey. Illini fans will certainly miss seeing Pat Bryant on the field in the Orange and Blue.

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