Wide receiver Ricky Smalling has exited the Fighting Illini football program, per a report from Scott Richey of The News-Gazette.
Saturday's N-G sports cover features @srrichey looking at 10 Big Ten players who should have a huge influence this season, plus changes to the roster makeup for @IlliniFootball. Also, @clikasNG on @IESA_IL fall athletics and @BobAsmussen on #Illini football. @APSE_sportmedia pic.twitter.com/RJtAX97Er9
— IlliniHQ (@IlliniHQ) July 25, 2020
Smalling — Lovie Smith’s first verbal commitment in 2016 — was a three-year starter for Illinois, including last season, before missing the final six games due to a torn ACL.