Aug. 22—CHAMPAIGN — Of course, Bret Bielema wants Hank Beatty to stick with the Tennessee Titans and for Melvin Priestly to earn a spot with the Detroit Lions.
Both Beatty, a wide receiver, and Priestly, an offensive lineman, are rookie free agents trying to survive the long-shot odds.
The more former Illinois players in the NFL, the merrier for Bielema. It helps in recruiting, fundraising and happiness at the Smith Center. The players and coaches cheered when famous former Devon Witherspoon recently became the NFL's highest-paid cornerback.
Why mention Beatty and Priestly? Well, a judge in Louisiana approved the reopening of the 2026 transfer portal to accommodate players released by NFL teams.
Of course, the topic came up with Bielema on Thursday during a 13-minute press conference. The sixth-year Illini coach didn't even wait for the question.
"This is something I've been kind of working on for a month," Bielema said. "I still have a couple roster spots available to me if something would present itself, but right now, it's just kind of a wait and see."
Bielema has a great source he can turn to for up-to-date information: Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, who is a leader in NCAA matters.
"I've had some preliminary conversations with people that might be able to have that moment come," Bielema said, "but we'll put everything on hold until that becomes reality."
He briefly switched to talking about the team's most recent scrimmage. Then, more portal questions.
Are there any players not from Illinois that Bielema would consider adding?
"Positions of need that we would like to bring someone in would be the O-line and wide receiver room and you can probably figure out who those two guys would be," Bielema said before adding "Hank and Melvin."
"I think for this late in camp, to acquire someone that could play in your system," the Illini coach continued, "those guys would make the most sense."
The problem for many programs would be having an available roster spot.
"If this happens, it's just another adjusting moment," Bielema said. "Josh has been absolutely awesome."
Bielema also praised Whitman's No. 2, Tom Michael, who is now working closely with football after arriving back at his alma mater in mid-May after Michael was the Eastern Illinois athletic director.
"He's been unbelievable," Bielema said.
A year ago at this time, Bielema thought a rule would be passed that would give Beatty and Priestly an extra year of eligibility.
Ultimately, the rules were changed to allow a bonus year, but too late for the two Illinois standouts. Unless court rulings give them another chance for something that should have happened in the first place. Nobody said college sports need to make any sense.
Under current rules, teams need to turn in their roster the Sunday before the first game. In Illinois' case that would be Aug. 30.
"The way the rules stand right now, you wouldn't be able to add anybody, no matter where they are coming from after the first week, first game," Bielema said.
Unless they change the rules again.
Stay tuned.
Desired outcome
Earlier this week, Bielema announced his six captains for the season: defensive backs Matthew Bailey and Xavier Scott, receiver Collin Dixon, quarterback Katin Houser, running back Aidan Laughery and center Jake Renfro.
"I went into it I was thinking four captains, but just the way the votes laid out, those six guys kind of ran away with it significantly," Bielema said. "Super excited about that mix."
Houser and Renfro are first-year transfers.
Houser was the highest vote-getter on offense and also had the most support from the defense.
"It shows me that he has affected the entire locker room, which is awesome," Bielema said.
Jumping in
Projected starting linebacker Daniel Brown has missed some time in camp. But the defense has found an answer in the surprise Illini of the spring/summer/fall.
"Mason Muragin," Bielema said of the linebacker. "He's playing at an extremely high level. The other day, I pulled him off a special teams unit because I think he has a chance. If Daniel's not going to be there, he'll be our starter going into Week 1."
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