Illinois on SI will project and update the Illini football starting lineup and depth chart throughout the 2026 season, linking to the scouting reports of key contributors below. Our projections will reflect changes based on injuries and announced lineup, depth chart and position moves, but they are only the best estimations from the staff of Illinois on SI.This page will be updated as new information becomes available, including as availability reports are released, per Big Ten injury-transparency rules. More names and scouting reports will be added below throughout the season as players receive on-field opportunities and position battles play out.Scroll to the bottom to find the latest injury updates.Illinois' 2026 projected depth chartLast updated: Sept. 8, 2026 @ 4:06 a.m. CT**Bookmark, refresh and return often for the latest informationOffenseIllinois running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) is tripped up by Tennessee linebacker Jadon Perlotte (27) during the fourth quarter of the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectQUARTERBACKQB1:Katin HouserQB2: Carson BoydQB3: Michael Clayton IIRUNNING BACKRB1:Ca'Lil ValentineRB2:Aidan LaugheryRB3: Jordan AndersonWIDE RECEIVERWR1:Collin DixonWR2:Hudson ClementWR3:Brayden TrimbleWR4: Ty RobinsonWR5: Nas RankinWR6: Jayshon Platt**TIGHT ENDTE1:Christian AbneyTE2:Kaden FeaginTE3: Davin Stoffel OFFENSIVE LINELT:Christian MartinLG:Maika MatelauC:Jake RenfroRG: Dezmond SchusterRT:Nathan KnapikSUB1: T.J. McMillenSUB2:Brandon Henderson**DefenseNov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) leaps over Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive lineman Phillip Daniels (60) to get to Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConnectDEFENSIVE LINEDE:Joe BarnaNT:Darrell PraterDE:Pat FarrellSUB1: Will HolmesSUB2: Carter JankiSUB3: Demetrius JohnLINEBACKERSJACK: Mason MuraginMLB: James KreutzWLB: Ismael KanteSUB1:Grant BeermanSUB2: Ean RheaSUB3: Daniel Brown**DEFENSIVE BACKSLCB:Jaekwon MorrisSS:Matthew BaileyFS: Mac ResetichNB: Xavier ScottRCB:Juice ClarkeSUB1: Tywan CoxSUB2: Deuce FillmoreSUB3: Tanner HeckelSPECIALISTSK: Ethan MoczulskiP: Lars RauKR:Ca'Lil ValentinePR: Mac ResetichLS: Patrick Mahoney III**Injured playerLatest injury and position updatesSept. 8, 2026: Illinois coach Bret Bielema indicated G Brandon Henderson and WR Jayshon Platt are expected to miss the Illini's Week 2 game against Duke, but LB Daniel Brown could make his season debut against the Blue Devils. Click here for more info.Sept. 3, 2026 (GAME DAY, WEEK 1): During his Tuesday press conference, Illinois coach Bret Bielema announced WR Jayshon Platt and LB Daniel Brown are the team's only regulars who would miss the UAB game. Both are expected to return during the season.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow