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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois football team is gearing up for the 2026 season with a dynamic blend of experienced players and fresh talent in their wide receiver lineup.
The departure of Hank Beatty, who was a pivotal player last year leading in both receptions and receiving yards, marks a significant change. Nevertheless, the Illini have retained two of their top receivers from last year’s impressive nine-win season. Collin Dixon and Hudson Clement are set to anchor the receiving corps, providing continuity and leadership on the field.
However, the team will feel the absence of Justin Bowick, who, despite sharing the team-high of five touchdown catches with Dixon last year, has transferred to Oklahoma State, leaving a notable gap in the lineup.
To bolster their ranks, Illinois has actively sought new talents, welcoming several transfers and freshmen eager to make their mark. The team has strengthened its wide receiver unit by bringing in four transfers: Jayshon Platt from Florida Atlantic University, Ty Robinson from Ball State, Eddie Kasper from Illinois State, and Alex Perry from Florida International University. These new additions are expected to contribute positively to the team’s performance as they integrate into the squad during spring training.
The Illini added four wideouts via the portal: Jayshon Platt from FAU, Ty Robinson from Ball State, Eddie Kasper from Illinois State and Alex Perry from FIU.
Platt is new to Illinois, but not new to the college game by any means.
He comes to Champaign for his fifth year of college football, having played in 36 games at Florida Atlantic. He racked up 55 catches, 791 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns with the Owls. 720 of those receiving yards came in his breakout 2025 campaign.
“It’s really just another year of football at another school,” Platt said on Monday of transitioning to the Illini program. “So, I’m getting adjusted well… It’s a great opportunity, to go win games with this team, make it to the playoffs, especially for me – to get to the NFL.
Illini wide receivers coach Justin Stepp has helped several of his players achieve their NFL dreams, including Pat Bryant at Illinois.
“He’s a great guy,” Platt said of Stepp. “He coaches me hard, coaches me to the details. It allows me to get better every single day.”
Route-running, catching, breaking tackles, etc. are all things Platt is familiar with. He is less familiar, entering the 2026 spring practices, with others on the Illini roster.
“Just trying to build chemistry with my team, the offense,” he said. “Show the coaches I’m reliable.”
Stepp, gearing up for his third season coaching Illinois’ receivers, says there’s plenty to like about what Platt brings to the table.
“The most impressive thing about him is how smart he is,” Stepp said of Platt, citing his impressive note-taking skills. “He’s meticulous- wants to know what he’s doing right, wants to know what he’s doing wrong. I love that about him. Then, obviously, he’s got some pop. He’s got speed off the ball, then really good when he gets the ball in his hands.”
Stepp’s room also returns Mt. Zion native Brayden Trimble after he played some special teams in 2025. Plus, the Illini added multiple freshman wideouts from the 2026 class, including Trimble’s high school teammate Jacob Harvey and four-star Chicago native Nasir Rankin.