News: Illinois Football Adds Transfer Portal Defensive Lineman Carter Hewitt

News: Illinois Football has beefed up again at one of its few positions of need entering the 2025-26 offseason, adding another key addition.

According to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports, Northern Iowa defensive line transfer Carter Hewitt has committed to Illinois Football following his official visit to Champaign last week.

The 6’6″, 260-pound senior racked up 53 tackles, 20 pressures, and 1.5 sacks over the course of his 689 snaps last season for the FCS-level Panthers— boosting his stock and earning him the opportunity to move up a level for his final college season.

Northern Iowa defensive line transfer Carter Hewitt has signed with Illinois, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247sports.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Hewitt had 54 tackles last season.https://t.co/10Sz3YwNKg pic.twitter.com/Csidv3smV2

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 27, 2025

How Hewitt Fits With Illinois Football

With Illinois returning the bulk of thier roster from last season, there were few positions in greater need of an overhaul than the defensive line. While they didn’t lose the same star power as the wide receiver group, the unit presented Illinois with their most pressing need for experienced and proven talent — in an area that required progress.

The Illini went to work, adding James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal from Wisconsin, along with Tomiwa Durojaiye from Florida State. Each brings proven power-five production to a defensive line room already full of young, developing talent under coach Terrance Jamison.

However, the Illini felt the need to add additional depth.

Now, with Carter Hewitt in the mix, there’s an opportunity for him to make an immediate impact on Illinois’ defensive front in the Big Ten during his final season of eligibility. With Alex Bray entering the transfer portal, Hewitt’s path is clear to become a key contributor for Illinois Football in 2025.

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