Power Ranking Oregon and each Big Ten team’s performance in the transfer portal
By Sam Fariss
Incoming: 7 | Outgoing: 8. . illinois. . . 15. . . 481.
Head coach Bret Bielema has added some much-needed linemen to his roster during the 2024 transfer portal.
Arguably Bielema’s biggest pickup is interior lineman Kevin Wingenton who previously played for Michigan State where he started in six games for the Spartans. He also added defensive lineman Anthony Johnson from Youngstown State.
An offensive highlight for the Illini is the acquisition of tight end Cole Rusk who had 39 catches for 507 yards at Murray State.
Bielema was able to bring in four other transfers: offensive tackle J.C. Davis, defensive lineman Enyce Sledge, offensive tackle Melvin Priestly, and defensive lineman Dennis Briggs Jr.
However, losing Reggie Love III to Purdue and defensive back Tahveon Nicholson to Louisville could have negative ramifications on both ends of the ball.
Those two losses to the depth chart coupled with six other players looking for new homes, knock Illinois down to No. 15 in the conference rankings.