Illini freshmen take on first media day

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - Illinois football held its annual media day in Champaign on Thursday. The Illini have 30 freshmen on their 2026 roster, including multiple guys expected to play right away. WCIA spoke with several of these newcomers during Thursday's open locker room media availability. Check out some player-features, including quotes, from Illinois freshmen, in no particular order. MICHAEL CLAYTON Clayton, a three-star prospect out of high school, has worked his way into a competition for the backup quarterback job in his first season in Champaign. He wrapped up his prep career in Miami, but claims Orlando as his hometown. "I feel like I've shown that I'm a hard worker," Clayton said. "A trustable guy. Our biggest thing is being a hard worker, being someone who is smart, tough and dependable. I feel like I've shown [the coaches] that, and they've granted me with some stuff that I can hopefully take advantage of." He's learning from projected starter Katin Houser. "He has really taken me in as a little brother," Clayton said of Houser. "I don't have any older siblings back at home, but that's somebody who has definitely taken me under their wing. Just being able to lead a team, that's one of his biggest strengths... Being able to be demanding of his offense of what he wants, I've taken different stuff from his game, and I'm excited to see him this fall." KENYON ALSTON Alston also comes to Champaign from the Sunshine State. He was ranked a three-star wide receiver and shares a hometown or Orlando with Clayton. As one could imagine, these two came in with a prior relationship. "He's a young guy who has been making stride, can't wait to see him for sure," Clayton said of Alston. "Our connection is strong," Alston said. "We're roommates... Our connection has definitely been good... Been getting work in with him." Alston has added about 11 pounds to his frame since arriving to campus, in preparation for Big Ten football. "I feel like I've grown in many areas, mentally and definitely physically" he said, which includes getting more familiar with the playbook. NAS RANKIN Rankin, a four-star in-state prospect, enters his first year of college ball feeling confident. "Of course I think I can," Rankin told WCIA, responding to a question about if he can make an impact on the Illinois offense as a true freshman. What gives the Chicago native that belief? "I'm a playmaker, I can make plays," he said. "That's just me having confidence in myself that I can play on any level." Rankin feels like he has built a healthy relationship with each of the four Illini quarterbacks. CHAMP SMITH Smith is another three-star from Florida. The offensive lineman is listed as 6-foot-6, 330 pounds. "I feel like I've grown in understanding things," Smith told WCIA regarding his progress since arriving on campus. "It's a lot of intricate little things that come to this system that [offensive coordinator Barry Lunney] runs. Just learning that and getting into it. That's where I feel like I've grown." Smith has leaned on Illini projected-starting offensive tackles Christian Martin and Nathan Knapik as he gets familiar with the college football lifestyle. ‘Dream come true’: GCMS pitcher commits to Illini "I come to them with a million questions and they always have open ears for me," Smith said. JACOB HARVEY Harvey's drive to Champaign, from his hometown, was less than an hour. He follows in the footsteps of Brayden Trimble in going from Mt. Zion to the Illini wide receiver room. "It's been a big change, coming from high school to this," Harvey said. "It's been a lot of meetings, tough practices really fast and a big adjustment for me... but it's been fun so far." He says he has learned a lot about the game, and schemes, since joining Bielema's program. DANE EISENMENGER Eisenmenger's trip to U of I's campus was even shorter than that of Trimble and Harvey. He was a late commitment-flip to Illinois after previously signing with DII Central Missouri. Click here for the story on Eisenmenger being named WCIA 3 2026 Male Athlete of the Year. "It's been a grind," he said of fall training camp in Champaign. "But it's been awesome, and I'm looking forward to keep learning." He says he has learned from Illini QB Katin Houser, who enters his fifth year of college football. Click here for a quote from head coach Bret Bielema on Eisenmenger. KING LIGGINS Liggins, slotted to play defensive line for Illinois, is from Crete, Illinois. "Just a great opportunity," he said of joining the Illini. "Playing football in my home state, I just love being here. It's been great." Click here for more information from Bret Bielema's press conference at the local media day. 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.