Projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – defense

We are into the month of August, and that means Illinois football is right around the corner.

With the season on the horizon, that also means it is time to look at who could possibly start for the Illini in 2023. There are plenty of possibilities, and now that Bret Bielema is the head coach, Illinois actually has some quality depth.

Illinois had four players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft and six others signed undrafted deals with teams. Despite that fact, I am impressed with how much talent we are bringing back this season.

Here is the projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – defense

Defensive Lineman #1

Starter: Jer’Zhan Newton

Illinois has an all-timer on its hands with Johnny Newton.…