Competition continues for Illini kicking role

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Illinois finds itself in need of a new kicker this season, but the battle is on between a second-year vet and a returner to Champaign. Ethan Moczulski is back with Illinois after one season at Washington, specializing in kickoffs for his home state team. In 2024 with the Illini, he set a school record with a 59-yard field goal against Central Michigan. Junior kicker Lucas Osada returns to the team after redshirting the 2025 season, making three kickoffs including two in the Music City Bowl. Special teams coordinator Chris Hurd said the two are both proving themselves in fall camp, and each kick may be a game-time decision. "It's been back and forth with both guys but, you know, the great thing, both those guys are great human beings, great people, and they pull for each other and, you know, and we'll just continue to go out there and kick field goals, kick kicks and see who's going to be the best guy and to put us in the best position to go out there and be successful and put points on the board," Hurd said. Illinois' go-to kicker last season, David Olano, entered the transfer portal and landed at Texas A&M. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.