CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The wide receiver position has likely been one of the most asked about groups when Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema has spoken with the media ahead of the 2025 season.

It’s no secret Illinois lost a lot there from 2024.

The Illini look to replace a bulk of production from graduates Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant.

Who could fill those big shoes?

Bret Bielema was asked about that group on Monday, ahead of his team’s third fall camp practice. Before jumping into names of guys who have made plays early in the fall, Coach B took a second to recognize his coach at that spot.

“I love watching [wide receivers coach Justin] Stepp work,” Bielema said. “[I’ve] been around a lot of really good coaches and Stepp, just the way he engages…”

Bielema says NFL wideouts Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant, both with the Broncos, are open about their appreciation for Stepp’s impact on their careers. Stepp, entering year two with the Illini in 2025, coached Sutton at SMU from 2015-2017.

As for the group he’s working with now, quarterback Luke Altmyer has raved about the depth there.

Bielema dove into some specifics on Monday.

“Malik Elzy has looked outstanding,” Bielema said. “I’m very excited… I thought he did some things in Saturday’s practice that I’ve seen him do at times – but he’s doing it with a little bit more consistency right now.”

Elzy enters his junior year after catching four passes for 77 yards and one touchdown as a sophomore.

The Illini head coach also called Hank Beatty and Collin Dixon impressive.

He says Hudson Clement, a transfer from West Virginia, and Alexander Capka-Jones, have taken big jumps since the spring.

Bielema also offered a shoutout for Mario Sanders. Sanders redshirted in his first year with Illinois in 2024 after a stellar junior college career. In 2023, he earned NJCAA All-American First Team after racking up 12 touchdowns and 942 receiving yards.

Another Illinois receiver likely worth keeping an eye on would be Justin Bowick.

Bowick comes to Champaign after tallying 20 receptions for 383 yards and three touchdowns in just four games at Ball State in 2024.