Football
Sophomore Tanner Heckel starting to shine after breakout vs Duke
The Sophomore from Kansas has gone from playing eight man football to igniting a Big Ten Defense.

Sophomore DB Shines in Big Win at Duke
Illinois’ defense once again proved why it’s among the nation’s best, forcing five turnovers in a 45-19 road win at Duke on Saturday. Now tied for first nationally in takeaways, the Illini secondary is loaded with playmakers – but sophomore defensive back Tanner Heckel stole the spotlight by directly influencing three of Duke’s giveaways.
The first big moment came early. Trailing 3-0 and struggling offensively, Illinois punted away, only for the ball to bounce off the Blue Devils’ returner. Surrounded by Duke players, Heckel made a savvy play, punching the ball into space where teammate Tyler Strain could make a clean recovery. The muff set up Illinois’ first touchdown and eased the offense into the road environment.
In the fourth quarter, Heckel elevated again. With Illinois nursing a two-score lead, he made a leaping interception along the sideline, sparking a 12-play, seven-minute touchdown drive that all but sealed the win. On Duke’s very next snap, Heckel crashed the backfield for a strip sack recovered by the defense, leading to yet another Illini touchdown.
All night long, Tanner Heckel was around the football, making high-IQ, momentum-shifting plays in a statement win that pushed Illinois Football to No. 9 in the AP Poll. His emergence adds another weapon to a defense already built on takeaways and shutdown ability, strengthening Illinois’ case as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
_______________________________
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! The Armchair team is proud to partner with Hamilton Walker’s Seafood and Spirits. Reserve your table HERE. Enter our home game giveaways on our social media pages to win a $100 gift card.
We are also proud to partner with the Campus Ink Illini NIL Store! Use the code: ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off your purchase. Please subscribe to the Armchair Illini Podcast on YouTube here
Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.
Finally, subscribe to our newsletter here for more Illinois football news! Go Illini
-
Basketball6 days ago
Illinois basketball vs Illinois State: TV Channel and Gameday guide
-
Basketball4 days ago
Illini Freshman David Mirkovic turns heads with stellar exhibition performance
-
Basketball7 days ago
Top Shooting Guard Jasiah Jervis lists Illinois basketball in top-5
-
Basketball7 days ago
Where does Illinois basketball sit in all rankings heading into 2025 season?
-
Basketball15 hours ago
Why Andrej Stojakovic Will Have Major Success At Illinois
-
Basketball6 days ago
Why Illinois Basketball is a Top Offensive Team Entering 2025-26
-
Basketball6 days ago
Is Illinois Basketball a Final Four Contender in 2025-26?
-
Football2 days ago
How to Watch: Illinois Football vs Washington