8 of 18
Illinois has climbed up Big Ten power rankings in almost every statistical category throughout the past few years.
From the transfer portal, head coach Bret Bielema brought in multiple three-star defensive players this offseason along with four-star cornerback Terrance Brooks from the Texas Longhorns.
The additional defensive juggernauts to Illinois' already improved defensive unit should make for an excellent squad for the Fighting Illini.