The upcoming college football season is already buzzing with anticipation, and Illinois football is prominently featured as several of its star players have earned coveted spots on prestigious national preseason awards watch lists. This recognition underscores the exceptional talent within the Illini roster and sets a high bar for their performance in the 2025 NCAA football campaign. This significant player watch list presence highlights the growing national attention on the program.
Among the first to garner significant notice is senior edge rusher Jer’Zhan Newton, who has been named to the watch lists for both the Bednarik Award, recognizing the nation’s top defensive player, and the Lott IMPACT Trophy. The latter award notably considers a player’s character alongside their defensive prowess, reflecting Newton’s comprehensive contributions on and off the field for Illinois football.
Newton’s inclusion on these prominent preseason awards lists is well-deserved, given his formidable presence as one of the nation’s premier pass rushers. With expectations of being an early-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, his 2024 performance, which included 74 tackles, 13 for loss, and eight sacks, solidified his reputation as a disruptive force for the Illini defensive line in NCAA football.
Senior defensive back Tahveon Scott has also earned dual recognition, appearing on the Bednarik Award watch list and the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, presented annually to college football’s top defensive back. His consistent excellence in coverage and tackling makes him a cornerstone of the Illinois football secondary.
Scott’s distinction as an all-Big Ten first-team defensive back and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award underscores his elite status. Having started all 13 games at cornerback in 2024, his contributions are vital to the Illini’s defensive strategy, cementing his place as a key player watch list candidate for postseason honors.
On the offensive side, senior offensive tackle Julian Pearl has been recognized on the Outland Trophy watch list, an award honoring the top lineman in college football. Pearl’s consistent performance, marked by 37 consecutive starts, speaks volumes about his reliability and skill in protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes for Illinois football.
Linebacker Isaiah Williams, a Chicago native, exemplifies the combination of athletic and academic achievement, earning a spot on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list. This award celebrates players who best combine exemplary community service with on-field success, showcasing the holistic development fostered within the Illini program.
Rounding out the impressive player watch list group is senior wide receiver and punt returner Griffin Eifert, named to the Paul Hornung Award watch list for the most versatile player in NCAA football. Eifert’s prowess as an all-America punt returner, leading the Big Ten in average and ranking fourth nationally, highlights his dynamic impact on special teams for Illinois football.
The significant presence of these Illinois football athletes on national preseason awards watch lists signals a period of high expectations for the program. Their individual talents and collective potential promise an exciting college football season ahead for the Illini faithful, underscoring the team’s rising profile in NCAA football.
