Why Illinois Football Was the Best Fit for OL Transfer Tyler McMillan

Illinois Football took to the transfer portal recently, adding 6’6 SEMO tackle Tyler McMillan to Bart Miller’s already very talented offensive line group –  a key depth addition for a highly anticipated unit, that returns all five starters from a season ago. As long as the unit can stay healthy, it should be a key focal point of this Illini team, which hopes to catapult off a historical 2024 season and sustain success in 2025.

However, Bret Bielema’s staff felt it essential to add some more key depth to the ever-essential position. Enter McMillan, who started 11 games at left tackle for Southeast Missouri last season, logging 708 total reps and finishing with a 67.5 overall grade from PFF, in addition to an 85.1 pass pro-grade,  giving up only 4 sacks on the season.

So, why was Illinois Football the place to be for the talented pass-blocker? For the SEMO transfer – “I knew I could reach my goals here.” he told Armchair Illini.

Why Illinois Football for McMillan?

For Tyler, it was simple- Illinois Football had all the tools to make the move to Champaign, a no-brainer.

“Illinois felt like the right place for me because of how hard the coaches try to get their players better, and the fact that the whole program is based on “FamILLy. They also have all of the resources that you need to be great – especially for a guy like me chasing the league.”

Close Connections

A notable connection for Tyler McMillan is his history with the Illinois staff.

McMillan played his high school ball at River Rouge in Detroit, where current Illini DBs coach Corey Parker was his head coach. That relationship with Parker runs deep. However, the rest of the Illinois staff played a major role in sealing the deal on the SEMO transfer.

“With coach Parker (Corey Parker) being at my high school, I had already built a relationship with him and he will never lead me to a wrong place. So if he tells me a place is good or bad, I would believe him.”

“The staff played a huge role in my decision. From the very beginning, they made me feel like more than just a player—they saw me as a person, and that really stood out. Coach Bielema’s track record with offensive linemen speaks for itself, and the way he and the rest of the staff communicated their vision for me showed they really believed in what I could bring to the program. Also how Coach Miller breaks the film down… he is very detailed about every step you take and he would compare it to an NFL clip. So, he is trying to get you better, and help you make it to the league….. not just best in the conference.

So with me seeing that – I knew I could reach my goals here.”

How McMillan Plans to Make an Impact for Illinois Football in 2025 – Transitioning Up From the FCS

The Jump from the FCS to the Big Ten is a big task for anyone, let alone in the trenches. How does the talented tackle feel he will hold up during the transition?

“With me jumping from the FCS to the Big Ten, I really don’t think about different conferences because football is football.

The only thing different is the school color…..

I think my strength, footwork, and ability to finish blocks will translate well, especially in a system that emphasizes physicality like Coach Miller’s. My mindset coming in is to compete for a starting spot, learn, and contribute however I can—even if that’s pushing the guys around me in practice. I want to bring energy, consistency, and a work ethic that adds value to an already talented offensive line group.”

He continues, “I want to improve on my run blocking. I know I was good at pass blocking…… But, I could always be better – there will always be something I could improve on.”

NFL Dreamin’ in Champaign

“The biggest motivation for me is my family, because they always been on my side and know what I can do.

My greatest source of motivation is myself. As I stated – I want to play in the NFL and I must hold myself accountable for realizing that goal. I hope to be apart of a family, and win a lot of games here, so we all can complete our goals in life.”

What The Films Tells Us

Tyler  is a massive addition—literally and figuratively—for an Illinois offensive line group that already returns all five starters from last season. McMillan instantly upgrades the depth chart with proven experience, stepping in as a battle-ready option in the two-deep.

His film proves impressive upper body strength, knockdown ability to finish blocks, and nimble footwork. His athleticism is especially apparent in pass protection—a clear area of need for Illinois.

McMillan brings Sunday potential. If he earns meaningful reps in Champaign, don’t be surprised if Illinois is his springboard to the NFL.

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