Chambana Sun

For the first time in 39 weeks, Illinois football returns to Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini will begin their 2024 season against in-state rival Eastern Illinois, marking the start of head coach Bret Bielema's fourth season. Although the two teams' stadiums are less than 50 miles apart, this will be their first meeting in 16 years.

Eastern Illinois enters the game with an 8-3 record from 2023 and is predicted to finish second in the preseason Big South/OVC poll. Led by third-year head coach Chris Wilkerson, the Panthers seek their first-ever win against a Big Ten opponent.

Thursday's game at 8 p.m. CT will be part of Illinois' Memorial Stadium 100th Anniversary celebration. The team will wear their Block I helmet for this game and switch to various commemorative helmets over the next five home contests.

The Illini's roster features 45 new players for the 2024 season. Despite losing three former offensive starters to the NFL Draft, they have added new talent through recruitment and transfers.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer is set to start for a second consecutive season. Running backs Josh McCray, Kaden Feagin, and Aidan Laughery are expected to lead ground production. Wide receiver Pat Bryant returns as a senior and team captain after leading in receiving touchdowns last year. Other notable receivers include juniors Hank Beatty and Alexander Capka-Jones, sophomores Malik Elzy, Ashton Hollins, Kenari Wilcher, and transfer Zakhari Franklin.

With Tip Reiman now in the NFL, tight ends Tanner Arkin, Henry Boyer, and transfer Carson Goda are expected to play significant roles this season. The offensive line includes returning starters Zy Crisler, Josh Gesky, and Josh Kreutz along with transfers J.C. Davis from New Mexico and Melvin Priestly from Grambling.

Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., entering his third season with Illinois, has a mix of new options and returning talent on offense.

Defensively, coordinator Aaron Henry is entering his second season aiming for improvement despite losing key players like Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. New additions include Dennis Briggs Jr., Gentle Hunt, Enyce Sledge along with returners TeRah Edwards, Ezekiel Holmes who moved from outside linebacker this spring, and sophomore Alex Bray.

Linebackers Seth Coleman and Dylan Rosiek return as captains while Matthew Bailey makes his first appearance since last year's opener. Transfers Terrance Brooks (Texas) and Torrie Cox Jr. (Ohio) add experience to the secondary alongside returners Xavier Scott and Tyler Strain.

Eastern Illinois poses challenges on both sides of the ball under Coach Chris Wilkerson. Quarterback Pierce Holley was named Big South/OVC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after ranking high in passing yards and touchdowns last year. Leading receiver Eli Mirza and rusher MJ Flowers also return.

Defensively strong in interceptions and forced fumbles but weaker in sacks last year; senior linebacker Elijawah Tolbert stands out as a key player.

The game will air nationally on Big Ten Network as Bielema aims for a fourth consecutive season-opening win.

"We always say 'Respect all; fear none,'" Bielema stated. "I have great respect for Chris Wilkerson... It'll be a tall task for us."