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 freshman in 2024.

Bielema says Valentine has no completely locked up the job.

“That one is still a little open for take,” he said.

The Illini head coach says a few other guys are in contention for getting opportunities on kick return, including Hank Beatty, Aidan Laughery, Mac Resetich and Mario Sanders.

Beatty has the most experience in the return game – but not on kickoffs. He enters his second year as the Illini’s primary punt returner after taking over that role during the 2024 season. Beatty led the Big Ten with 14.1 yards per punt return on average.