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

Illinois football started off on the right foot against defending ACC champion Duke last week but failed to finish the job as they lost 31-27 at home. 

Coach Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini got a stellar 10-catch, 166-yard and three-touchdown performance from wide receiver Collin Dixon but didn't get much help alongside him as their second-leading receiver was Hudson Clement with four catches for 45 yards.

Quarterback Katin Houser's late interception helped seal Illinois' fate in a tough loss that left them 1-1 in non-conference play.

Recently, Bielema detailed the latest injury update on a star transfer receiver who could change the equation on offense for his team after a tough loss. 

Platt Out for Southern Illinois Game

Illinois receiver Jayshon Platt won't play against Southern Illinois on Saturday, Bielema said earlier this week according to Glenn Kinley of WCIA-3 Champaign. 

Bielema said that Platt, who is battling an undisclosed injury, could be back against Ohio State on September 26 in Columbus, Ohio. Platt had 46 catches for 720 yards and five touchdowns last year with the Owls and impressed Bielema and his coaching staff during training camp. 

He has yet to play a down in a Fighting Illini uniform but is trending toward a possible return. A combination of Platt opposite Dixon could be just what the doctor ordered for an Illinois offense that looks explosive one moment and has a tendency to bog down the next due to running game and passing game issues.

Defenses have begun keying in on Dixon and the Illini haven't done a good job of adjusting. With Platt on the field to give Houser another potential downfield threat, the Illini offense could take off in the coming weeks. 

Daniel Brown Gets Injury Update 

Bielema also updated the status of linebacker/defensive end Daniel Brown, who had 11 tackles and a pass break-up during his second season as a player in 2025. 

Bielema said Brown has a chance to play against the Salukis but if so it would be a in a limited capacity. He added that there is a "very good chance of him being back for Ohio State." 

Illinois' defense has been singled out as one of the poorest tackling in the country. There is a distinct lack of depth on coordinator Bobby Hauck's unit, particularly in the front seven where Bielema has lamented a lack of elite level NIL funds to sign players. 

Brown isn't a superstar, but he's a wide body with proven production at the college level, two things Illinois needs as it warms up for what could be a more challenging Big Ten Conference than at any time in recent memory. 

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