NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The Illinois Fighting Illini are preparing to head into a season that fans hope will further cement coach Bret Bielema's program in the upper echelon of the Big Ten, with the opener against UAB just days away.

On Tuesday, Bielema informed the media of tough luck injury news involving one of the team's best offensive players, transfer receiver Jayshon Platt, along with another starter, linebacker Daniel Brown.

He also said that a recent transfer addition is no longer with the team, adding to a hard-hitting news day in Champaign, Ill. 

Platt, Brown Status Downgraded vs. UAB

Bielema said that both Platt and Brown are not expected to play in Week 1 against the Blazers according to Joey Wagner of 247Sports. 

Platt's return date is questionable but likely won't be for a few weeks, Bielema said.

"This injury has been one that when it first happened we didn't know the exact timeline on it," Bielema said. 

"Got good news since then, but whether he's back in Week 1, Week 3 or Week 4 I don't really know at this point." 

Platt played four seasons in Boca Raton with the Owls, amassing 46 catches for 720 yards and six touchdowns last season.

He was expected to be one of the team's top offensive players this season alongside fellow wideouts Hudson Clement and Collin Dixon in Bielema's Katin Houser-led offense. 

Without Platt, the running game and tight ends could see more opportunities in the passing game. 

Brown was an expected starter on the second line of Bobby Hauck's defense. His absence could lead to more playing time for rising contributor Mason Muragin starting in Week 1.

Transfer Smith No Longer With Team

Tight end transfer Peyton Smith from the University of San Diego is no longer with the team, Bielema added. 

Smith's eligibility was "tied up in the fifth-year litigation," Wagner said.

The Fighting Illini's tight ends room remains deep with Christian Abney the expected starter and Davin Stoffel pushing for playing time. 

Converted running back Kaden Feagin has shown a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team including his switch to the tight end position.

Expect the Fighting Illini to rely heavily on this position, including in the running game, while continuing to develop depth behind its starting three now that Smith is no longer with the program. 

Illinois' first game against the Blazers is expected to kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 3 against the Blazers.

It will be a chance for the Fighting Illini newcomers, including Houser and Hauck, to show what they can do against a talented opponent that Illinois is currently a 28.5-point favorite against according to FanDuel Sportsbook.  

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos