Tag: Pat Bryant

Illinois wide receiver prospects shine in big win over Nebraska

Illinois wide receiver and 2025 NFL Draft prospects Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin shine in big win over Nebraska

Friday night saw a thrilling matchup between Illinois and Nebraska, a game won by the Fighting Illini 31-24. While there is (rightly) a lot of focus on the young quarterbacks in the game, the Illinois wide receiver tandem of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin used the national stage to augment their draft stocks.

Bryant caught two touchdowns from junior QB Luke Altmyer, giving him six in Illinois’ first four games. That includes what proved to be the game-winner in overtime. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has emerged as the top playmaker for the undefeated Illini, lining up all over the formation and using his great acceleration and high-speed cutting. He even snuck in as a fullback on the last TD against Nebraska.

Franklin looked very much like the exciting middle-of-field threat he was in his UTSA days. After his injury-impacted transfer year at Ole Miss, Franklin has reunited with his old UTSA offensive coach and thrived. At 6-foot-1, he’s a nice, sure-handed target out of the slot and working between the numbers. He caught five passes for 50 yards, showing elusiveness after the catch and the ability to get quick separation and perfect spacing on underneath routes.

Neither Franklin nor Bryant were viewed as more than marginal prospects before the season. At the minimum, Franklin looks draft-worthy and Franklin is working his way toward a Senior Bowl berth.

Week 6 preview: Iowa Hawkeyes versus Illinois Fighting Illini discussion with Illinois Rivals insider

Week 6 sees the Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Some Illini insight from a discussion with an Illini insider at Rivals.

As the Iowa Hawkeyes get ready to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT, the game appears to be shaping up as an old-fashioned Big Ten slug fest.

To get up-to-speed on the upstart Illini who are surprising some with their rebuild, an insider from Rivals provided insight to some key items regarding the Illini.

The insider is one I have known for nearly a decade, was my college roommate, college football teammate, and one that is still a friend although providing he is coverage for the Illini.

The Illini insider is Jonah Puls. Find him on Twitter (@JP_UIRivals) for all things Illinois. From football, to basketball, to even their highly-ranked golf team.

We discuss the Illini’s accelerated rebuild, a few players that could influence this matchup, dive into some advantages that each team has, and get into some predictions on who takes this Big Ten West matchup.