CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - Illinois returns enough players from its 10-win season in 2024 that there aren't necessarily a ton of starting spots up for grabs.

However, the kick returning job will have a new face in 2025. Kenari Wilcher took a bulk of the returns on kickoffs in 2024, returning 11 kicks for 258 yards.

Wilcher transferred to Florida A&M following the conclusion of his sophomore season.

Now, a number of guys have taken practice reps with the possibility of filling that role. However, Bret Bielema finally hinted at one guy perhaps leading the race to start there for week one.

"If I was a betting man I'd say Ca'Lil Valentine would be probably our starter," Bielema said on Monday.

Valentine, a sophomore running back, had 212 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards as a true freshm

See Full Page