CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Junior wide receiver Malik Elzy will sit out the remainder of the 2025 season with the Illinois football team and enter the transfer portal.

Following the Illini's win over USC , Head Coach Bret Bielema revealed the decision and conversations he had with the wide out.

"He wanted to redshirt, and for us in our program, I just kind of made the decision," Bielema said. "We started this year with a roster that we felt really strong about. If someone doesn't want to be a part of that and wants a redshirt, then I can't keep them."

On Sunday, Elzy posted his decision and a statement on his X account.

In his three seasons at Illinois, Elzy had 16 receptions for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns. Through four games in 2025, he caught 7 passes for 84 yards. Prior to the seas

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