Illinois projected starting lineup and depth chart for Citrus Bowl | 2024 college football season

The Illinois Fighting Illini will end their 2024 season by facing the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Bret Bielema’s team will be almost at full strength when they make the trip to Orlando.

Bielema mentioned on Dec. 19 that only wide receiver Pat Bryant is expected to opt out of the game. Other NFL hopefuls, such as Xavier Scott and Gabe Jacas, are expected to play against South Carolina (9-3).

Illinois (9-3) is looking for their first 10-win season since 2001. This is only the Illini's second winning season since 2011. For the game against the Gamecocks, quarterback Luke Altmyer is another name to follow, as he finished the regular season with 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Here is the Illinois depth chart for the Citrus Bowl against the Gamecocks.

Illinois projected starting lineup and depth chart for Citrus Bowl

The Illinois defense will look to slow down the South Carolina attack. - Source: Imagn

Offense

WR-X (Wide Receiver X)

Starter: Zakhari Franklin

• 2nd: Alexander Capka-Jones

WR-X (Wide Receiver Z)

Starter: Collin Dixon

• 2nd: Malik Elzy

SL (Slot Receiver)

Starter: Hank Beatty

• 2nd: Ashton Hollins

LT (Left tackle)

Starter: JC Davis

• 2nd: Brandon Henderson

LG (Left Guard)

Starter: Josh Gesky

C (Center)

Starter: Josh Kreutz

• 2nd: TJ McMillen

RG (Right Guard)

Starter: Brandon Henderson

• 2nd: Zy Crisler

RT (Right Tackle)

Starter: Melvin Priestly

• 2nd: Magnus Moller

TE (Tight End)

Starter: Tanner Arkin

• 2nd: Carson Goda
• 3rd: Jake Furtney

RB (Running Back)

Starter: Aidan Laughery

• 2nd: Josh McCray
• 3rd: Jordan Anderson
• 4th: Ca’Lil Valentine

QB (Quarterback)

Starter: Luke Altmyer

• 2nd: Kirkland Michaux
• 3rd: Trey Petty

Defense

LE (Left Defensive End)

Starter: Ezekiel Holmes

• 2nd: Pat Farrell

NT (Nose Tackle)

Starter: TeRah Edwards

• 2nd: Jeremiah Warren

RE (Right Defensive End)

Starter: Dennis Briggs Jr.

• 2nd: Alex Bray
• 3rd: Angelo McCullom

LOLB (Left Outside Linebacker)

Starter: Gabe Jacas

• 2nd: Alec Bryant

WLB (Weakside Linebacker)

Starter: Ryan Meed

• 2nd: Malachi Hood
• 3rd: Kenenna Odeluga

MLB (Middle Linebacker)

Starter: Dylan Rosiek

• 2nd: Josh Kreutz
• 3rd: Luke Zardzin
• 4th: TJ Griffin

ROLB (Right Outside Linebacker)

Starter: Seth Coleman

• 2nd: Jojo Hayden

LCB (Left Cornerback)

Starter: Xavier Scott

• 2nd: Torrie Cox Jr.
• 3rd: Tyler Strain

SS (Strong Safety)

Starter: Matthew Bailey

• 2nd: Saboor Karriem

FS (Free Safety)

Starter: Miles Scott

• 2nd: Mac Resetich
• 3rd: Tanner Heckell

RCB (Right Cornerback)

Starter: Kaleb Patterson

• 2nd: Jaheim Clarke
• 3rd: Terrance Brooks

Special Teams

P (Punter)

Starter: Hugh Robertson

• 2nd: Fabrizio Pinton

K (Kicker)

Starter: David Olano

• 2nd: MEthan Moczulski
• 3rd: Fabrizio Pinton

H (Holder)

Starter: Hugh Robertson

• 2nd: Fabrizio Pinton

LS (Long Snapper)

Starter: Lane Hansen

• 2nd: Aidan Hall
• 3rd: Patrick Mahoney

KR (Kick Returner)

Starter: Hank Beatty

PR (Punt Returner)

Starter: Hank Beatty